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Naija Chronicle by Oribhabor
Abeg luk bak wit di fes of tank yu, luk front wit strong maind plos no shekin bikos notin de hapun. Stand gidigba luk op yu go si se yu sopoz tank Baba God ol di taim bikos if no bi im laif fo get as i fo bi. Hapi selebreshon.
Dis ogbonge preya fo Naija na from yo broda Oribhabor.
01/10/2010
edbabor@gmail.com
(Oribhabor is a promoter of Nigerian Pidgin and resides in Abuja. Oribhabor is solely responsible for the opinions published in this chronicle.)
Wi go yan fo Intanet
bai Edwin Eriata Oribhabor, Naija Langwej Promoter, Abuja-Naijiria
The title of this piece could be captioned variously as: ‘‘Wi go tok fo intanet,’’ ‘‘Wi go rap fo intanet,’’ ‘‘Wi go jam fo intanet’,’ ‘‘Wi go blok fo intanet,’’ etc. The key words in the foregoing are ‘‘Tok,’’ ‘‘Rap,’’ ‘’Jam’’ and ‘‘Blok.’’ To tok oo rap fo intanet means; to talk (tok) / speak with (someone) online. To jam or blok fo intanet means; to meet with (someone) online. Therefore, wi go yan fo intanet simply means; we shall meet/speak online (in reference to someone else) In Naija, the word internet (intanet) (...)
"Dis man of God sef" - 1
bai Edwin Eriata Oribhabor, Naija Langwej Promoter, Abuja-Naijiria
"Man of God – (MOG)" is a popular coinage in Nigeria. Like most coinages in this country, it is difficult to say who was behind it. However, there’s no gainsaying the fact that without being in the spirit, it will be difficult to be blessed with the ingenuity of creating a piece of a religious epithet like this. This leaves me with a strong feeling that the concerned must have dug deep into the "world of the spirits" to arrive at it. Whenever one hears it, one is wont to take a ride into the (...)
HU BI POLITICHAN FO NAIJA?
bai Edwin Eriata Oribhabor, Naija Langwej Promoter, Abuja-Naijiria
Politiks na pawa! Naija politiks na wa! Na papa an pikin mata Na dem get wi kontri pas Politiks na honi fo Naija… The above lines are excerpts from a poem written in Naija langwej by Salamatu Sule; a budding Naija poet. Published in If Yu Hie Se A De Prizin; antoloji of puem-dem fo Naija, edited by Eriata Oribhabor (2012),’’ it speaks of politics as a honey-pot that attracts so ‘‘many things’’ to itself. Aptly titled: Politiks de laik honi fo Naija, the poem is about politicians in Nigeria (...)
As we selebet ’’World Mother Tongue Day’’
bai Edwin Eriata Oribhabor, Naija Langwej Promoter, Abuja-Naijiria
As Naija de rol, plenti pipul no de send egen fo wetin konsain tins ebaut ‘’current affairs.’’ In doz déz, if pesin no sabi ‘‘current affairs’’ na im bi se di pesin no ‘’current’’ at ol. An na wen pesin ‘‘current’’ na im pesin bi pesin. Fo dat taim, nobodi send fo hau mosh moni de fo yo poket. Wetin pipul laik to nou, na hau yo hed de wok. Na hau yu ‘‘current’’ rich na im dem go tek ‘‘rate’’ yu. Nauadés, evribodi de fait fo im poket. Evribodi de hozul fo im bele. Fo exampul, if yu ask ten pipul fo Naija todé (...)
Yo kontri na yo kontri?
bai Edwin Eriata Oribhabor, Naija Langwej Promoter, Abuja-Naijiria
Despite glaring political and economic challenges in Africa, people like Nana Yaa Asantewaa, an African American in the US Virgin Islands, Caribbean, is tirelessly working in concert with many others, to ensure that African-Americans worldwide, embrace her Back-to-Africa campaigns. Her adopted name has its roots in Ghana where most of her activities have largely taken place. She is spending so much of her personal resources in taking up spaces in international online newspapers and (...)
Dem se ais fish de "suck blood"
bai Edwin Eriata Oribhabor, Naija Langwej Promoter, Abuja-Naijiria
The writer draws his inspiration from all sorts of things and circumstances. The mere encounter with a scene, the innocuous remark/side-comment made by someone else etc, could trigger a writer into an outpouring of lines that ultimately baffles any reader. With mind made on a subject matter, a writer may change to writing on an issue that is completely different from what was originally intentioned. He may, if he wishes, reach out to both worlds without bringing them to a meeting point. (...)
Minna: Where ‘‘Raitas de len hau to spel?’’
bai Edwin Eriata Oribhabor, Naija Langwej Promoter, Abuja-Naijiria
When the Niger State branch of Association of Nigerian Authors’ (ANA) announced that her programme, WRITERS’ SPELL, was to come up on 28th of January, 2012, a friend made the following remark; Wich won bi raitas spel? So raitas de len hau to spel tu? He wanted to know if the event was a workshop where potential writers would be taken through the rudiments of spellings. I couldn’t offer a concrete explanation because it was the first time I was coming across any information on the programme (...)
Shayo Na ‘‘Slave Master’’
bai Edwin Eriata Oribhabor, Naija Langwej Promoter, Abuja-Naijiria
"Due to increase in road travels during the period of September-December (emba months) every year and coupled with the presence of so many bad roads in Nigeria, the rate of accidents are usually higher when compared to the preceding months. Conscious of this, members of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) do mount series of campaigns to save or ameliorate the situation. At this time, one of the regular jingles that we hear on different radio and television stations is, ‘’If you drink, (...)
High Table Launch
bai Edwin Eriata Oribhabor
"The craze for the launch of one thing or the other is fast losing currency in Nigeria. In those days, just anything and everything deserved to be publicly celebrated or launched irrespective of the financial implication. All machinery were usually channeled to achieving a successful launch likened to the highly criticized ‘’mandate’’ banks do hand to their marketing staff in the banking industry to go ‘’rake’’ in millions at all cost. It was more of a status thing to be addressed as the one who (...)
The Abuja Literary Society July 2011 BookJam
"As widely publicized, the Abuja Literary Society (ALS)held her monthly BOOKJAM at the Silver Bird Galleria on 29th July, 2011. It was a night of fun as three invited authors Mallama Bilqisu Abubakar (The Woman in Me) Abimbola Adunni Adelakun-Tripple A (Under The Brown Rusted Roofs) and Eriata Oribhabor ("Abuja na kpangba an oda puem dem")read from their works. On behalf of the two other authors, i thank the ALS for their selfless contributions to the revival of literary activities and the (...)
Pretoria and South Africa’s multi-lingua status
bai Edwin Eriata Oribhabor
I adjusted sharply to the chilly winter weather of Pretoria, South Africa where I attended an “International Conference on Arts, Society and Sustainable Development” from 27-29 June, 2011 at the Faculty of Arts, Tshwane University of Science and Technology, Pretoria-West campus. One of the conveners of the conference was a Nigerian in the person of Professor Patrick Ebewo. Not less than 130 persons presented papers covering different areas of the arts. Of this number, a minimum of 20 (...)
Dis afametiv akshon sef
bai Edwin Eriata Oribhabor
For the umpteenth time, President Goodluck Jonathan had reiterated his readiness to work in line with the 35 % affirmative action for women representation in key areas of the nation’s economy. His dear wife and first lady of the nation, Dame Patience has been championing the fight for government’s recognition of 35% affirmative action for women which of course qualifies her to be addressed as “madam afametiv” i.e. if we have such nomenclature. There is no doubt that women in politics are (...)
Bai faya, bai fos berekete
bai Edwin Eriata Oribhabor
The current comedy album of Gordons, a popular comedian in Nigeria, is titled “Halleluyah.” In this album, packed full of thrilling “comedic-releases,” he repeatedly mentioned that his comedy “ministry” is on the move. This could be translated to mean that, his art of providing “alternative therapy for stress and high blood pressure” is taking a positive turn as he smiles to the bank in confidence. Like Gordons, Men-of-God in charge of different congregations all over the country, spend quality (...)
Mari komot no bi awa "style"
bai Edwin Eriata Oribhabor
Except one has deep interest in watching Hollywood films or lucky to belong to the veri old skul age bracket, the name Elizabeth Rosemond Taylor may just sound like one Lizzy babe a former school mate or neighbour. She was a famous Hollywood star actress who became a superstar way back in the 50s. Hau meni of os dem don born bai dat taim? She played landmark roles in projecting Hollywood as an institution and the film industry in general in the United States of America. Way back in 1944 she (...)
Na grama wi go chop?
Under the caption, “The Assault on Nigerian Languages”, ThisDay newspaper’s Editorial of Wednesday, March 16, 2011 p.19 bemoaned the lack of attention that’s generally being given to our local languages and stressed that they “are becoming extinct because not only are parents denying their children the opportunity to communicate in their mother tongue, they themselves shy away from speaking their local dialect.” Furthermore, it stated that, “The English language has sadly become the preferred (...)
Di Sainbod Filosofi
bai Edwin Eriata Oribhabor
Regular readers of this column should by now, be familiar with spellings in Naija as used on this page. This niu spelin sistem was packaged by Naija Langwej Akedemi in collaboration with Institut Francais de Recherche en Afrique au Nigeria (IFRA-NG) code-named Standad Naija Otografi (SNO.) This autography has guided all spellings used in the promotion of Naija (aka Nigeria Pidgin) For example, if the above title was written in normal English language, it would read; Signboard (...)
TEXT MI FO NAIJA
bai Edwin Eriata Oribhabor
In the world of GSM, the use of text messages is key for its brevity, clarity, timeliness in delivery and cost. Millions of text messages flai from ples to ples every minute. At peak periods, they jam demsef and sometimes put the networks at great risks of crashing. At yuletides, if you say “festive time” to no one in particular, you are most likely going to hear “texting time” just like in Churches all over Nigeria, where the shout of “offering time” by a “Man-of-God” is usually greeted with (...)
SAILENT BOMB
bai Edwin Eriata Oribhabor
In times like this, one needs to think deeply before putting pen to paper to write on any sensitive matter; let alone bomb. Still fresh on one’s mind were the October, 1st Independence Day - celebration bomb blast and that of New Year Eve at the Mogadishu Barracks in Abuja last year. Sounds unbelievable bikos wi no sabi dis kain bomb bomb mata. Like millions of Nigerians, mi sef de wonda hau pesin go tink so te, na hau to yuz bomb finish anoda pesin laif. Apart from the Nigerian Civil War (...)
WARRI: TOKU TOKU AN WODIN NA “FOOD”
bai Edwin Eriata Oribhabor
I have always wanted to write something about the people of Warri with particular emphasis on their “habit” and style of toku toku. By the people of Warri, I mean all, irrespective of tribal affiliation, that may have lived or are still living in the place, largely influenced by both the place and the prevalent speaking style and capacity to seamlessly act out the “characteristics” of a true Waferian. My interest lies in unravelling the reason (s) for this, as well as the popular saying; “Warri (...)
TATAFO WITAUT WAYA
bai Edwin Eriata Oribhabor
One of 2010’s landmark events was Julian Paul Assange’s publication of secret diplomatic US government cables on WikiLeaks, his whistle blowing website-company. Na hu bi dis man sef? Julian Paul Assange, born 3 July 1971, is an Australian publisher, journalist, software developer and Internet activist. Assange has worked as a computer programmer and was a hacker during his youth. He has lived in several countries, and has made public appearances in many parts of the world to speak about (...)
ABEG, TOTORI YO SEF
bai Edwin Eriata Oribhabor
There’s hardly a day that goes by without somebody pleading for something, somewhere. It is vital for the soft-landing of any request. No matter the reason behind it or the style in which it is broached, pleading is strategic to any harmonious relationship. When one says abeg in Naija, one is simply saying, “please” as used in the English language. Drawn from the word “beg”, it is a polite way of asking for something. For example should one ask for money from another person by saying abeg giv (...)
MAI PIPUL SE…
bai Edwin Eriata Oribhabor
Article written in Naija (Nigeria Pidgin) — Politics — Nigeria
NAIJA: A MAJOR FORCE IN REBRANDING – 2
bai Edwin Eriata Oribhabor
The Ministerial “ban” on the use of Naija sounds more of an “order from above”. Most of such orders hardly stand the test of time. I have tried to rationalize it with the phrase Warri no de kari last now popularized by Comedians. Although associated with “Waferians”, it is now common to hear people say Naija no de kari last meaning, Nigeria would always triumph. I cannot imagine an elected governor of Delta State pass an order to ban the use of the use of Warri no de kari last in Warri or (...)
NAIJA : A MAJOR FORCE IN REBRANDING – 1
bai Edwin Eriata Oribhabor
The Honorable Minister of Information and Communication Professor Dora Akunyili recently ordered that henceforth, no one should use the name Naija in place of Nigeria. She threatened that all corporate bodies using it would be communicated to desist from doing so forthwith. Her comments and manner of delivery, reminded me of the days of the Military when orders were handed in the “top down” military fashion without full consultation between and amongst members of the Military team. As long as (...)
SHUO! NA WAFI
bai Edwin Eriata Oribhabor
If you are a first time visitor to the Warri & Sapele areas of South South Nigeria, you will no doubt be attracted to the unique flavour of Naija Langwej formerly addressed as Nigerian Pidgin. Chances are that while you savour the Wafi yans an lingo, you may not immediately catch up or “flow” with the style of speaking there. However, like a memento, you are sure of going home with the word shuo, a trademark of the people of this area. It’s the only place in Nigeria where the word is (...)
SHUO! HO! KUMA! ABI? (II)
bai Edwin Eriata Oribhabor
Words in Naija like shuo and kuma have been in popular usage for a long time in Nigeria. They are part of the numerous traditional or indigenous words that are uniquely repositioning Naija as both awa Langwej and awa identity. In comparison with words that have transformed from the English Language into Naija, they are undoubtedly giving Naija a peculiar flavour that appeals to all that come in contact with it. Apart from meeting the basic requirement of effective communication, Naija (...)
SHUO! HO! KUMA! ABI? (I)
bai Edwin Eriata Oribhabor
From numerous advertisements that are rendered in Naija Langwej in both the print and electronic media, I have no illusions in my mind that millions of Nigerians are not only reappraising their negative mindsets about the Language, but embracing it with dobul han. After formal meetings where pipul blo big big oyibo in Nigeria, majority find it convenient to use Naija Langwej to informally brek daun eviritin. Top functionaries in different fields of human endeavour speak Naija without (...)
PLENTI MAKET DE FO NAIJA (II)
bai Edwin Eriata Oribhabor
As a place where goods are bought and sold, popular markets are usually associated with all kinds of noise especially those found within and around motor-parks across the country. The growing use of loud speakers by motor park touts (agberos) in drawing the attention of passengers and in announcing different destinations can be very offensive to the ears and a major noise pollution. In continuation of this two part serial on the subject matter, we shall be looking at other meanings of (...)
PLENTI MAKET DE FO NAIJA (I)
bai Edwin Eriata Oribhabor
In Nigeria, we have countless number of markets categorized in terms of place or items e.g. Wuse Market or Jabi Fish Market all in Abuja. While the former is a fully fledged market where one could find all sorts of items, the later is where different types of fish are sold and bought. We have approved and unapproved markets complimented by the traditional weekly/bi-weekly markets associated with different communities, the popular roadside day/night markets and all kinds of “emajensi” markets. (...)
OKRIKA NA YU BIKO
bai Edwin Eriata Oribhabor
The challenge of transforming the country into an investor’s delight was faced headlong by our former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo who personally travelled around the world selling the country to prospective investors. Today, our dear Minister of Information and Communication; Prof. Dora Akunyili has introduced Rebranding as a major plank of properly repositioning Nigeria and her potentially great people in the comity of nations. Thus, the new brand name for Nigeria is Great people, (...)
MAI VERI HAN BAG
Bai Edwin Eriata Oribhabor
If there’s any item the woman cherishes so dearly, it’s her handbag. Its No 1 position in the various fashion collections of the woman remains unshaken (kankpe). The overwhelming importance of the GSM handset has not changed this because the safety of the handset itself lies in the handbag that houses it alongside so many smol smol tins men are hardly allowed to see. Recently, I read a story of how a 34 year old mother dropped her baby with a staff of a Cafe whom she knew so well in pursuit (...)
