I have a goal

Scholarship Program for Boys and Girls
that fosters creative arts in the form of painting, writing, reporting (journalism), marketing, advertising, etc. Providing scholarship opportunities including study abroad programs and the encouragement of the arts in the development of society.

Creative minds are usually psychic minds are usually pioneers for societal change in the form of ideas/creative expression. At a young age, such gifts should be encouraged and not stifled due to societal/economic pressures. If our children in Africa are encouraged thus, a society of talented individuals will emerge and be able to create opportunities for themselves and others. Also, our culture can evolve....hopefully with the right tools and the right mindset, for the better.

A Thank You Note

I just wanted to use this opportunity to thank those who showed thier support by purchasing my poetry book. Thanks for putting those CRARN kids in mind with your purchase. God bless!

Western World Dumps Waste In Africa

Found the following article on a Nigerian website. Here's an excerpt:

Tonnes of toxic waste from municipal dumps in the West are being dumped illegally in countries like Nigeria and Ghana, an investigation has found. Hundreds of thousands of broken items like TVs and computers are being sold to dealers on the pretext of re-use. Under EU law, such household appliances must be dismantled or recycled. But they are stripped of raw metals by those working on poisoned waste dumps, the report by Greenpeace, Sky News and Britain's Independent newspaper found. Greenpeace said the young people working on such dumps often break apart the electronic items for parts, but in doing so are exposed to poisonous chemicals like mercury, lead and cadmium."When in fact we knew, because we gutted it, this TV, before it left the UK, we took all the insides out and put [in] a tracker device, which enabled us to track this old TV from the UK, through the recycler, etc to Nigeria."http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7897631.stm

Sometimes I can't comprehend the lack of conscience of the power elites especially with regards to the third world. This doesn't make sense to me, it just doesn't ..:(

Music As A Weapon For Change (Samples)

A group of young African artists came together to sing about saving the children of Africa. The song is so powerful and the beat is tight!



Here's another cool song, the price of silence, featuring Ziggy Marley, Emmanuel Jal & a bunch of other international artists. By the way Jal has been promoting his music and new movie based on his experience as a child soldier in Sudan. The movie is called Warchild. Saw a screening today in Harlem. It's a very touching film. I love the refreshing and optimistic tone at the end. He will be performing at the Apollo, I believe, on the 22nd of feb. I hope I can get to talk with him in person and take a picture or something. Besides the fact that dude is so inspiring and talented with his music (a fusion of soul, afrobeat & hip-pop) he is kinda cute too. :)

Gadafi New AU Chairman

The latest news is that Muammar Gadhafi has been elected chairman of the 53 nation state of the African Union(AU). I mean, this is a self proclaimed pan-arab. This is also a man who has had a controversial relationship with the west that has lasted for decades due to his terrorist activities/associations. I have read a few sources that say he pumps money into the impoverished subsaharan region and has supported political uprisings in countries like Liberia. I look at the picture, the good and the bad of the information I know about this man, and I am left with an unsatisfying feeling in my stomach. Sometimes I am not sure in just whose side he's on. Anyway, I hope the feeling is just what it is, a feeling.

Amandla!

Really cool movie about how music played a role in South Africa's liberation struggle against aparthied. Found this while playing around on youtube. :)I've always loved S.African music and culture. Mariam Makeba also appears as well...awww....she was so lovely!

Modern Day Witch Hunt In Nigeria

The following youtube videos was very hard for me to show because the subject and situation is very painful and sad. It is the case of Children in Akwa Ibom (and some other areas in the niger delta) of Nigeria who have been condemned by some so called pastor or pastoress as witches. These children are often brought in by thier parents to the church with accusations that they are responsible for the misfortunes in thier homes. These kids are often beaten, maimed, killed and abandoned to starve. I have to warn the the sensitive at heart to brace themselves before watching the clip and the others that follow it.



Thank God for what CRARN is doing to provide clothing, education and basic needs for this children. But they only way they can keep doing what they do is by our support.

It is possible that some of these children have psychic abilities which makes it even sadder that they are being treated this way! In America some of them would probably be called "crystal" children but in some parts in Africa it's a different ball game. This is another negative effect of what a distorted interpretation of Christianity is doing in Africa.

Our children are being killed and allowed to die like chickens in Nigeria, Sudan, Congo (child soldiers) and many areas of the continent, and it's got to stop. They are our future and should be safeguarded from the mess that we have collectively created or allowed to persist.

You can check out CRARN at www.crarn.tripod.com

congo and nigeria update

I hope with the obamania syndrom that we can take a few moments to think about what is going on in central africa. It is my hope that the obama presidency will tackle this issue, cos quite frankly a lot of companies are currently benefiting from this conflict. This is a war that deserves more attention than is currently being given.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090120/ap_on_re_af/af_congo

On a side note read a few days ago that Bill Clinton,Howard Dean, Paul Bigalo,Donna Brazille and some other high government officials in the U.S paid a visit to Nigeria to "discuss" Obama. Mmmmh..I guess we have to keep our eyes open for this. Things are about to get interesting.

http://www.afrika.no/Detailed/17771.html

Curse Of The Black Gold pt.I&II

Interview with Wole Soyinka, Africa's literary giant and human rights activist and Ed Cayce(forgive the mispelling), photographer and journalist concerning the Niger Delta crises. Soyinka discusses how the exploitation of the Niger Delta people can be traced to the local government leading up to the Nigerian federal government at large. He also expresses his point of view on the controversial militant group, MEND (Movement for The Emancipation of The Niger Delta)while Cayce discusses his photos and personal experience in the region.

I dream of Africa

I dream of Africa
Gold dust carried
By winds with
Ancient secrets
Against my skin
Nubian heat
Darkens my neck
In a land of legendary Queens
And skyscrapers made
Of the same dust
Beneath my sandaled feet

I dream of Africa
Riding on a camel's back
Me in a shawl
A man in turban
Handsome as the desert
My companion
In a never ending
Journey on sand

I dream of
Places like Zanzibar
A land as beautiful
As its name
Were black men and women
Stand tall and lean
Unlike in other places
I’ve been
Except maybe Ethiopia
And Burundi

The best names are in Africa

I dream of
Crowded spaces
And bargaining customers
Market women
And area-boys
Places where inscriptions
On buses are common

A typical west-side story

In my dreams
I am in a South African
Safari
And the animals are with me
There is no invasion
Of territory
For here
Man and beast
Is evolved in unity

The cries of freedom rings strong here
The joys of freedom ring true here

When I envision
A dream-a goal-a destination
I end up in Africa

Chevron Aquitted-Update

Sadly, on December 1st Chevron was aquitted of the human rights violation charges brought against them. This is a recent statement from JusticeForNigeria:

“The fact that Bowoto v. Chevron made it this far in the process is a victory in and of itself, because it means that we have demonstrated that there is a clear pathway in the US court system for holding corporations accountable to the rule of law. This is the first time a case against a company for aiding and abetting human rights violations overseas has even gone before a jury. And although we are disappointed that the plaintiffs did not prevail in this case, we are heartened by the fact that we are now entering a new era in the United States and abroad where people have seen the results of unregulated corporate excess (in the financial system and elsewhere) and want corporations to be reined in to prevent serious harms. Bringing this case to trial in the United States is a step on the path to corporate accountability. In the near future, corporations will no longer have a free ride to do operate with impunity in ways that are destructive and dehumanizing,” said Laura Livoti, founder of the group Justice in Nigeria Now."

I guess a little positive spin is what is needed right now...

The issue in the Niger delta has become increasingly complicated with the growing number of armed militias who pose a threat to the general public. Because of this, innocent people who have suffered and continue to suffer because of environmental degradation due to oil spills and acts of physical voilence are being overlooked. It has become common to blame local governments, greedy armed men and everyone else for the problems in the region when we are dared to be reminded that people are hurting. We wouldn't be where we are now if these problems had been handled appropiately even as early as 10years ago.

When will the Nigerian government-the governments in Africa start caring for its people? If they don't care about us can we expect some judicial system outside of our borders to?

World's AIDS day-clip that serves as a reminder

of the many lives being lost every day due to an easily preventable disease. It seems to me that lack of knowledge and poverty are two of the greatest enemies in our 'fight' over the disease. I took an HIV test a few days ago, and was glad to find out I am negative. I am ashamed to say that it was the first time I took the test but have decided to do it more frequently now. It's very important that people get tested and not take things for granted-especially people of African descent because we are the ones suffering the most. Stay Safe!

Alarm, China Is Taking Over Poor Africa!

Read an article recently that reported on China's unscrupulous arms deals with conflict ridden countries like Somalia and Ethiopia. The article explains that China thought it had it easy in Africa until a recent wave of attacks by sea proved otherwise. Somalian pirates backed by politicians within the country itself have been hijacking Chinese ships. Don't need to explain the entire article here. Frankly that aspect of the story doesn't affect my thoughts on China in the motherland


The point I want to make is that I find it interesting and almost hypocritical on the part of the western media that they suddenly care about how foreign governments conduct deals in Africa. Ever since China has shown increasing interest in the continent, western newspapers have bombarded readers with the risk Africa poses in the hands of the Asian giant. Reports that China seeks to exploit Africa and its supposed imperialist agenda towards the motherland are spread with the intent to create worry and concern among Africans and westerners with "fluffy" hearts. But is that really the motive behind these reports? Is it possible that perhaps western governments(which gets undying support from their media) is threatened by China's new "stronghold" in Africa? Is the United States, for example, threatened by China's emerging power? Or that there is another country who can treat Africa like a game of ping pong and in the process even beat them to it?


The truth is that the U.S or the media at large do not care about Africa or what happens there. If they did, they would make it a point to show a more balanced reporting of the continent. Instead of focusing on wars and starvation, they would also report developments that are occurring in places like Accra, Lagos, Johannesburg etc. They would showcase Africans making a difference in thier respective countries and once in a while, reveal beautiful images of people, buildings and landscape.


The media's sudden concern about China's motives in Africa is just another case of hogwash. Mr. media, pull the beam off your eyes first by reporting the U.S's slow response to the conflict in Darfur and Congo and how till today the United States continues to support unscrupulous leaders in various places in the motherland. At least China will look you in the eye and say they don't give a (you know what) about Africa. To them it's all business. This is something the U.S and the west at large do not have the guts to do.

Africa's Songbird & Freedom Fighter Passes On

She was so beautiful, her face, her voice-those pure looking eyes. The distinctiveness of her vocals and her fight against aparthied made her one of Africa's most beloved songstress. She endured 30 years of exile due to her anti-aparthied activities only to be allowed permission into her country once again by the newly freed and elected freedom fighter, Nelson Mandela. Words cannot describe the type of gem she was to me and millions of fans all over the world. I looked forward to attending her concert in Prospect Park, Brooklyn (NY) earlier this year, but the concert was cancelled due to her failing health. She died in Italy this past sunday while on stage. May this beautiful, black, heroic sister and MAMA! find peace in the Lord. Thank you Mariam Makeba for sharing your wonderful talent and gracious presence and for fighting for the rights of fellow africans. Nakupenda!

One of my favorite clips of her...

Obama Makes It To The White House

Last night the world watched as Presidential hopeful, Barrack Hussein Obama officially became the people's choice for United States President. This will be the first black man and first black woman (soon to be first lady, Michelle Obama) to occupy the most famous house in the world. I have observed people celebrate. I have seen some, mainly African americans, shed tears of joy in the media(we all saw Jesse Jackson, didn't we?), on the streets at work etc. Obama has created possibilties for people who only saw limitations enforced by a system that isn't always fair. He also, as his best selling book implies, has given us the audacity to hope. All over Europe, Asia and Africa people are celebrating. I have received phone calls from friends and families back home all filled with joy that one of thier sons will soon "rule the world."

Obama is for change! Obama will fix things! Yet only time will tell what Obama's presidency will contribute to an already deteriorating economy, two unfinished wars that have cost billions of dollars, a failing health system and other negative aspects of the Bush administration. Only time will tell-but as we wait, maybe a few of us, having the audacity to ponder at a time that calls for celebration(and deservedly so for its historic meaning) should ask ourselves what an Obama presidency means for Africa.

Africa is overzealous about this man and nowhere is this more pronounced than in Kenya, Papa Obama's birthplace. The question still remains, what does this mean for Africa? Will African countries comply with U.S policies/motives/agendas now that someone that looks like them is pulling the strings? Will conflict situations in Darfur and the Congo be dealt with swiftly and appropiately by the new adminstration? What about Africom? Will the militarization of the African continent fully take place or the reverse? What about the rising situation in the Niger Delta where armed militias are beginning to pose a serious problem in the oil sector? Only time will tell. But in the mean time, like millions, if not billions of people all over the world, I will take this moment to celebrate that a person of African heritage, a black man is about to rule the most powerful country in the world.

Now excuse me while I celebrate the American way by ordering some Pizza...

Congo-heart of Africa

Africa is the heart of the world (I like to call it the pulse) and many watch/partake of its destruction by greedy power elites within and outside its borders. Congo is the heart of Africa, and coincidentally also happens to be a place with one of the worst human rights abuses/exploitation of natural resources anywhere. Congo, since the arrival of Leopold II has suffered immensely from one form of "abuse" or the other. It was under Leopold II that Africans were mutilated and enslaved during the late 1800's -all because of rubber. 10 million Congolese are said to have died in the process! Since then Congo has seen no rest. From the extinguished flame of hope due to Patrice Lumumba's death by western forces post independence, to the 30+ years dictatorship of Mobutu Sese Seko, another puppet leader implemented and supported by the U.S-this same man, by the way, is reported to have had business dealings with CBN (Christian broadcasting network)television evangelist, Pat Robinson, but that's a different story for another day.

Due to a very complicated turn of events following the Rwandan genocide in 1994 that resulted in the migration of Hutus, and other ethnic/political ramblings, Congo has been the center of conflict that has resulted to millions of deaths and the illegal exportation of natural resources like coltan (to say the least) used to make cell phones. This conflict has benefited many western cooperations who get these resources relatively cheap in the black market, and in turn sell thier products for profits. However, neighboring african nations have also benefited from the conflict. This is evidenced by the fact they have been very slow in ending this war. The Congo crises is something that needs to end soon, so that the country can move on and heal from its wounds. Having natural resources should not be a curse on innocent people trying to lead normal lives. Greed as a means of fueling and continuing a war ought to be a crime with those responsible deserving of punishment.

For the western world and other powers to cease exploiting us, we need to begin by loving our brothers and sisters. Discrimination by ethnicity, gender, nationalities etc, must end. The period of blaming the west for all our problems is over. African leaders must stand up and fix things. They must hold each other responsible, and we must hold them responsible.

Another clip of displaced Africans due to conflict (sigh). I look forward to the day when this type of images are rare, and better yet, non-existent.
Peace.
http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/player/popup/?rn=3906861&cl=10497818&ch=4226714&src=news

Malcolm X-Son Of Africa

A scowl behind thick glasses- the words “By Any Means Necessary” -Malcom X. He was the civil rights leader of the 1960’s whose message of self defense for the black man (in the case of constant attacks of the psychological, sociological and physical type by the white majority) was interpreted by the media as “militant” and “violent” rhetoric. It is easier to understand Malcom X when you place yourself in his shoes. He was a black man in an extremely racist society who, in prison(where many black men still end up) discovers the history of his people and the conditions that plague them. His heightened awareness instilled in him a sense of purpose and self worth. It is easier to understand Malcom X, when you read his autobiography as penned by Alex Haley (the author of “Roots”) simply titled, “The Autobiography Of Malcom X.” My ideas about Malcom were transformed after reading this book. He was no longer the “violent” leader that I was programmed to view him as, but instead, a strong, passionate black man who loved his people and wanted them to experience the dignity and self-respect that the world was not giving them. His travels to Africa, his warm reception and his appreciation for the people of the continent revealed a man who was truly in touch with his African roots. His belief that Africa held the key for the liberation of the black race all over the world was not only ambitious but necessary back then as it is today. It meant that Africa had/has a big responsibility to the rest of the world.


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It was sometime during the late 50's or early 60's. He had just had a fall out with his mentor and spiritual advisor, the then leader of the Nation of Islam, Elijah Mohammed, over Mohammed’s scandalous activities. Subsequently, he was no longer in good terms with friend and heavy weight boxing champion, Mohammed Ali, who because of his close association with the Nation of Islam, also kept his distance from Malcom. He was searching and looking for answers and meaning outside of what he had been taught to believe in the Nation Of Islam. His search led him to two of the most important travels of his life. His travels to Mecca and the Motherland. So what exactly did Malcom X discover in Africa? According to his autobiography, Malcom visited Nigeria, Ghana, Egypt, Liberia, Guinea and other places. In Nigeria, he met and dined with Professors and other professionals and discussed the problems of black Americans. He discovered Nigerians knew a lot more of the civil rights struggles than he had anticipated. He received plenty of press coverage and was given the opportunity to clear up some slanderous rumors around him, including that he had been indirectly responsible for the killing of a white woman in Harlem (p.402). He spoke in the Ibadan University’s Trenchard Hall urging Independent African states to bring the African American’s case to the United Nations (p.403). In Malcom’s exact words:“I said that just as the American Jew is in political, economic and cultural harmony with world jewry, I was convinced that it was time all Afro-Americans to join the world’s Pan-Africanists” (p.403).

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It's no secret that one of the biggest problems Black people all over the world face is lack of unity. Black on black crime is rampant in the states just as ethnic conflicts are rampant in Africa. Even though our struggles across the board are similar, we have still failed to unite as one people, fighting for the common goal of dignity and liberation of the mental and economic kind. Just as the Jews have been able to unite and gain prominence in world affairs, blacks need to do the same. It’s been my personal experience to observe Africans look down on African-Americans as not “real” Africans and African Americans to look down on Africans as “primitive.” I have also been told by many African Americans that Africans are arrogant towards them. This is something that needs to end if “black power” is to become a reality. Malcom X saw the importance of the integration of black minds all over the world. He was in an idealistic frame of mind. African countries were gradually breaking free from their European “masters.” The possibilities that an independent, liberated and resource filled Africa would bring seemed infinite.There was an enormous interest in the civil rights affairs of Black Americans in Nigeria. Malcom admitted that Africans asked him “politically, sharper, questions than one hears from most American adults” (403). Africans are still very much attuned with current events since the education system and media informs them on these issues. With knowledge, however, comes responsibility.Malcom also enjoyed his visit to Ghana. He said this about Ghana: “ I think that nowhere is the black continent’s wealth and the natural beauty of its people richer than in Ghana, which is so proudly the very fountainhead of pan africanism” (p.404).

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Ghana has proven over the years to be a uniting force for Africans and African Americans.

According to an MSNBC article:
For some, Ghana offers incentives to stay: It is the only African country to offer black Americans "right of abode," allowing those who qualify to work and own property, said Janet Butler, president of the African American Association, a support group for expatriates. Applicants must live in Ghana seven years before fully qualifying. They are also granted instant citizenship in Ghana. This experience for African American creates a sense of connection to the motherland.

The Ghanians were extremely receptive of Malcom. Every detail of his life and struggles were recorded. He gathered his largest African crowd in the University of Ghana. There, (in typical Malcom style) he condemned the white people in the audience for hypocritically being friendly with Africans in their own land, but yet treating them with much less dignity in the United States (409). Malcom later addressed the Parliament and even had the opportunity to discuss with then President, Kwame Nkrumah (410). Malcom made other stops in Africa including Senegal and Morocco. The entire experience (coupled with his discovery of true Islam in Mecca) would transform his thinking and attitude towards the handling of the race problem in the States. This was a man on a mission-a Prophet sent to the black people to lift them from their mental and physical bondage and to unite them. Sadly, before Malcom could fully utilize all he had learned from his travels, he was killed. Black people all over the world, not just African Americans, did indeed lose a true visionary. In Nigeria he was given the name, Omowale, which means “the son who has come home.”

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Resources: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6818533/
Autobiography of Malcom X by Alex Haley.

Malcom X speech on western influence in Africa.
http://www.malcolm-x.org/speeches/spc_021465.htm
The Realplayer audio version:
http://www.malcolm-x.org/media/aud/malcolmdetroit.ram

The New Type Of Charitable Organization:

Caters to peoples’ spiritual, psychological and physical needs. Depending on the circumstances of the individual, certain areas are handled first before proceeding to other stages. For example, a person who has just survived a war (a refugee), natural disaster or a famine, is provided with basic necessities such as food, clothing, medicine etc. Once that individual has proven that he is physically capable of carrying out daily tasks, he or she can then be nurtured on a spiritual and/or psychological manner, depending on the person’s state of mind, culture, beliefs etc. In assisting an individual psychologically and/ or spiritually, the ideal organization does not seek to control or manipulate the person’s thought process. Subjects are treated with respect and dignity and their ability to make choices are embraced. However, what is imperative for a person who has suffered/suffers through intense difficulty is to be empowered. In other words, they need to believe in themselves and their ability to change their circumstance. Whatever spiritual messages are delivered to this individual is a message that must emphasize the innate power of the individual mind and spirit. Personal responsibility is key. Waiting for a savior or God to come down from heaven for deliverance does very little for the subjugated mind. In fact, the notion is disempowering because it diminishes ones’ abilities and natural/innate powers. This, I believe, is the reason why many Africans are still oppressed mentally and physiologically even after the departure of the colonialists. Many Africans, especially of the Christian fold, spend a lot of time, money and energy in churches asking God for assistance with different aspects of their lives. In many African cities, it is common to find churches in every block or neighborhood. Many pastors manipulate these people’s hunger for physical blessings by draining them off their monetary offerings and spiritual/ mental energies.

There is nothing wrong with going to church, prayers and asking God for blessings. In fact, for some people it is the boost they need for inspiration to emerge and proper action to take place. It becomes only a problem when we give so much of ourselves in such situations and expect an automatic change of circumstance in return. That is laziness, and lazy people get nothing accomplished. So the important point is to spread the message that we are responsible for our circumstances. And even in such cases where it seems there is no direct link between our circumstances and past actions, we are still responsible for the way we react to them. I write this because I see a lot of organizations that spend a lot of money catering to people’s physical needs to the point where the people become dependent on the system for survival. They stop trying or attempting to progress themselves. This type of stagnation becomes a burden to the system and to the people directly or indirectly responsible for the functional abilities of the organization or government entity . It is also disempowering to the individual, reducing them to perpetual victims instead of potential victors in life. Of course, as aforementioned, there is a time when providing for the physical needs of others is the most necessary and urgent thing to do. But there must also come a point where these people, either through financial assistance (eg, lending programs) and/or psychological/spiritual empowerment, are able to create opportunities for themselves and their communities. I believe that is the goal of every person’s life- to contribute to the welfare of ourselves and our planet. And no one, either purposefully or otherwise, or in the name of compassion (which is a wonderful quality if expressed properly) should be deprived of that ability and/or opportunity.

What Would Fela Do?

I attended the off broadway show, "Fela!" last friday. Let's just say it provided more returns for my $51 investment than expected. Some of my favorite Fela hits, including "water no get enemy," "Suffering and Smiling," and "zombie"-a sharp, gritting satire on the Nigerian terroristic-like military was played by a band that one could have sworn was sponsored by Fela himself. The show was equally visually appealing; girating females in colorful gear, men moving spontaneously and widely to the rhythm of the drums, trully capturing the spirited dance moves of Africa. And all these performed by people of mostly African american descent. Fela has become more popular after his death and will continue to remain so until his uncomprising vision for liberty and justice for Africa is realized.

Part of the theatre package included a postcard with information about Chevron's trial this October as a result of aiding the nigerian military in the shooting, injuring and killing of unarmed villagers. The subheading on the card stated: "What Will Fela Do?" We all know what he would have done but the question becomes what will we do?

To find out more about the lawsuit, visit: http://www.earthrights.org/
To sign a letter to Chevron CEO, David O'Reilly asking him to respect human lives and the environment, visit: www.ChevWrong.org/letter

And by the way, after doing that, go see the show before its closure on September 21st. It may inspire you! ;)

Mythology

The image to the left is Ikenga, Ibo god of industry and prosperity-giver of strenght in the accomplishment of one's goals.

To provide an example of basic african spirituality/mythology, I will use the Ibos. The Ibos are a major ethnic group that can be found in Nigeria, Guinea, Cameroun and other neigboring countries, as well as in the carribean and throughout the americas. Spirituality as practiced among africans difer in region and ethnicity. However, there are similarities in many of the core beliefs just as similarities exist between the major religions of the world besides their obvious differences. African spirituality has been marginalized by many outside of Africa and even within the continent itself especially among christian converts. This is due to lack of understanding and the fact that every religious system on earth has at some point in time needed to evolve or transcend its present teachings. There are millions of Africans who still practice in the ways of thier ancestors, some of the systems as to be expected, being more evolved than others. We can learn a few things from African spiritual practices. One of them being the belief that consciousness is within all of creation and therefore nature deserves reverence for its free and bountiful provisions to humanity;respect for life and children as blessings from God and a strong belief in universal consciousness which is exemplified in their emphasis on strong communities.

link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ibo_mythology
Chukwu is the supreme deity in traditional Igbo mythology. Linguistic studies of the Igbo language suggests the name "Chukwu" is a portmanteau of the Igbo words: "Chi"(spiritual being) and "Ukwu"(great in size).[2] Chukwu is the creator in their pantheon and the Igbo people believe that all things come from Chukwu. Chukwu brings the rains necessary for plants to grow. Everything on earth, heaven and the rest of the spiritual world is under the control of Chukwu.[3]
The Igbo People believe in the concept of Ofo and Ogu, which is more like the law of retributive justice. It is believed that Ofo and Ogu will vindicate anyone that is wrongly accused of a crime as long as their "hands are clean". It is only the one who is on the side of Ogu-na-Ofo that can call its name in prayer. Otherwise such a person will face the wrath of Amadioha (the god of thunder and lightning).[4]
Chi
Particularly in Nigeria, the Igbo People believe that each person has their own personal spiritual assistant or guardian called Chi, appointed to them before and at the time of their birth and remains with them for the rest of their life on Earth. A person's Chi is the personification of that individual's fate, which is credited for an individual's life's successes, misfortunes and failures. The Igbo believe that their success in life is determined by their Chi, and that no man can rise past the greatness of his/her own Chi.

Other deities (nb: westerners refer to them usually as angels or saints)
Main article: Alusi
Other deities or Alusi include Ahia Njoku, the goddess of yams, and Amadioha (or Amadiora) the god of thunder and lightning. In addition to them there are:
Igwekaala: sky god,
Ani: earth goddess and goddess of fertility.
Ikenga: god of fortune and industry,
Anyanwu: (literally:"eye of the sun" sun goddess)
Idemmili: mother goddess of villages through which the idemili river flows (Oba, Obosi, Ogidi, Ojoto etc)
Agwu: god of medicine men, god of divination and healing
Ahobinagu: forest god,
Aro (Aro-chukwu): god of judgment (also seen as the Supreme god's "Chukwu's" agent of judgment.
Njoku Ji: God of Yam
Ogbunabali (literally: [he who] kills by/at night): an Igbo god of death
Agbala: goddess of the hills and caves or the holy/perfect spirit in Nri
Eke: god/governor of the eastern sky (Heaven). Also the patron of Eke Markets and days.
Orie: god/governor of the western sky (Heaven). Also the patron of Orie Markets and days.
Afo: god/governor of the northern sky (Heaven). Also the patron of Afo Markets and days.
Nkwo: god/governor of the southern sky (Heaven). Also the patron of Nkwo Markets and days.

Minor spirits
Igbo mythology also contains multiple minor spirits. Among them are:
Mbatuku: spirit of wealth
Ikoro: drum spirit
Ekwu: heart spirit or spirit of the home
Imo miri: river spirit[5]
okwara-afo: for Nkwerre people in Imo state is god of mercantile activities
Aju-mmiri: sea-goddess in Nkwerre is goddess of prosperity, fertility and general well-being.
Ogbuide: goddess of the water associated with the Oguta people.
Urashi and Enyija: god of the river
Ezenwaanyi/Owummiri: Female Water Spirit, Mermaid, Seductress