OGURUGU: OUR STAND FOR THE SEASON

OGURUGU: OUR STAND FOR THE SEASON.
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In a conventional view, it is believed that the taste of soup brings about the query of the cook – this, whether the soup is sweet or otherwise. In other word, each time I had the opportunity to post on this platform, one remarkable feeling always takes possession of me: An Excited Feeling of having Great Resourceful sons and daughters of Ogurugu, endow with good progressive conscience. Therefore, my frequent post on this platform is often propelled by your unrelenting sense of love and unity as sons and daughters of Ogurugu. In truth, I commend and always celebrate each and every one of you. Gracias…thank you!

However, I have chosen this time around, once again to write to you. This time, to welcome you to the eleventh hour of the year, 2019. Not only that, having made to the last month of 2019, reminding ourselves about the uniqueness of the season remains empirical. Indeed, we should…we should be able to remind ourselves about this season to enable us sincerely understand and appreciate our effort for the year.

Again, Christmas is here; a big event celebrated to mark or remember the birth of Jesus Christ. Thus, based on a research once carried out by Center for the Global Christianity, the name “Christmas” comes from the word “Mass of Christ.” The Mass of Christ (a mass service) is a Catholic term referred to Communion or Eucharist – which is where Christians remember the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Moving forward on this discussion, I will like to point something out. Statistically, Ogurugu has recently recorded a moderate high figure of Christians. Hence, this gives more credence to the true essence of Christmas celebration in the community. However, we must clearly point one fact out and that’s: the celebration of Christmas in Ogurugu, has been a mega event observe by Christians and non-Christians. And this further buttress the fact that Christmas has been an integral part of Ogurugu culture. Just like other Africa countries, the spirit of Christmas runs deep among Ogurugu people; a spirit filled moment of the year as families get together to share and enjoy what they have with their loved ones.

Interestingly, that feeling of excitement that often come with this season is one thing we must quickly remind ourselves. Indeed, this is that time of the year in Ogurugu, when gentle breeze blows and grasses and trees drying off slowly. Also, such waterlogged mostly in the farm getting dry off gradually. It’s that moment of the year when farmers who had spent most of their time on the farm (Ideme, Ola-isi, Udaba, and even down to Aloko and Ighele) would start bring home their harvest. So exciting moment of the year. Also, various villages and clans, at this moment, marking their yearly festival – this accompany with cultural display at village square.

Nevertheless, we must also remind ourselves on how the children (which some of us once gracious participated) get themselves prepared for the Christmas with the practice of certain cultural dance. And this reminds me on how I participated in one of those fascinating cultural dance called "Ogolichama." I was beautifully decorated with beads dangling on my slim neck, and a wrapper (very colourful wrapper) fastened round my thinning waist. In a rhythmical pattern with other dancers, my foot bounced on the ground to the melodious sounds of drum as well as the clapping of hands. And that was how we danced round the community, receiving gift of money (plenty monies) from family members and well-wishers. And thereafter in the evening, we would dress up in our gorgeous brand new ‘Christmas’ attires and again, visiting our loved ones, soliciting for money. That evening, we were chased round by masquerades popularly called Ula’ga; usually carried long canes – at times in both hands.

Anyway, that was back then. Although, why must we remind ourselves of these occurrences? Why should we be conscious of this event – the celebration of Christmas? In a true sense of the world, it’s so germane to remind ourselves that Christmas is all about sharing of love; hence to live positively for others.

Therefore, it’s my greatest desire to see the sons and daughters of Ogurugu (irrespective of where they will spend their Christmas) to imbibe in this spirit of love. How grateful and delighted I will be to see the sons and daughters of Ogurugu, to continue to maintain their well-behaved manner in the cause of celebrating this Christmas. Ogurugu people are well-mannered, discipline and responsible set of species. Let’s continue to keep these values high…anywhere, anytime.

Conclusively, I urge, mostly the youth, to stay away from any form of unruly behavour, all in the name of acquiring what it take to celebrate the Christmas. Mind you, Christmas never get finished. And for those that will travel to the village, I urge you to go home with such progressive ideas that will make the community better than you left it.

Complement of the season to you all.

In advance, wishing you merry Christmas and happy new year.

Let’s continue to up hold the peace and unity in the community.

Let love leads.

Yours Brother,
Akor Gabriel.

(Co-editor, Home Front Magazine, Jos)