Okon Afahame, a former councillor, in this interview with ETIM EKPIMAH, talks about his life
When and where were your born?
I was born on January 25, 1925 into the family of Willie Afahame Efretue in Oron, Akwa Ibom State. I am a former councillor in Oron of the then Eastern Nigeria.
Did you receive Western education?
Yes, I did attend schools. I started schooling but had to dropout at Standard One after my father’s death. Later I continued but it was self-sponsored. I could not go beyond Standard III because I had to cater for the large family that my father left behind. He died in 1935 while my mother died in 1944.
What did you do thereafter?
I became a trader. I used to go to Lagos to buy clothes, shoes and other items which I sold in the then Eastern Nigeria and Cameroon. I later learnt electrical installation in Oron. I practised for over 30 years, wiring people houses, repairing fans and other electrical appliances.
How was life like when you were young?
There was a book we used to read in those days, it was written by E.N. Amaku. The book taught children morals besides the Bible. People tried to lead the lifestyle that conformed to what was written in the book. In the book, children were taught how be disrespectful to their elders and the consequence that followed if they disobeyed. Today, children and even adults are very rude to elders. With the advent of Internet, which brings about the so-called social media coupled with offensive musical lyrics, children adopt lifestyles that are wayward. They talk to their elders rudely and disrespectfully. On the other hand, the Bible teaches children to be obedient to their parents so that they may live long on earth. Though the Bible specifically mentions parents, this does not mean that the elders are excluded.
When did you get married?
I married a long time ago. I married three wives. The name of the first one was Atim and the second was Grace and the third is Eno. My first wife was from Oron and the second from Calabar. They are both dead now.
Why did you marry three wives?
In my time, polygamy was not strange or regarded as a big deal. My father, Efretue Afahame, married 19 wives. His father, Awana Esin, married 30 wives. It was the practice in those days. And if you married one woman, you would be ridiculed that you had nothing to eat. I married my third wife because I didn’t want the child she had for me to be born outside wedlock. We were having an affair and she got pregnant, hence I decided to marry her and pay her bride price. I had to do this to claim my child. In those days, a man must pay bride price on every woman he marries. Even if one marries 100 women; their bride price had to be completely paid. It was not the practice then to abscond with people’s children. However, the bride price was not as outrageous as it is today.
How did you become a councillor?
I was a councillor on the platform of the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons. I represented the entire Oro ethnic group. Then, people were appointed for political appointments based on their lineage. I can’t remember the year I became a councillor.
How do you see politics now and in your time?
Though there is not much difference between how politics is practised now and then, politicians of those days had conscience. They respected arrangement; never did we hear or see politicians going to shrines to consult priests for victory or eliminate their political opponents.
What is your opinion on the growing number of churches in our society?
The churches are more today, but there is no fear of God. The whole episode of Christendom nowadays is commercial. Those described as men of God are just after the money that comes into the church. They do not lead Godly life. They live ostentatious lifestyle. I am not even sure if these people believe there is God. The first thing we were taught in the church, apart from honouring our parents, is to love and care for one another. With the pattern of behaviour now in the country, it is clear that people do not care for their fellow human beings. As the number of church increases so also is the crime rate. Instead of it going down it continues to rise. That is why we have different forms of crimes like armed robbery, land grabbing, rape, kidnapping, militancy and others. There are also cybercrimes.
In our days, fume escaping from automobiles; generators; industrial plants; chimneys were not as pronounced as what obtains today. The environment now is so polluted that one inhales all sorts of fume all the time. One inhales them while going to work; working in the office and even at places of worship. All these are not good for our health. Why are we using generators that cause all these fumes? It is because there is no steady power supply which incidentally is the bedrock of development of any society; why are we not getting it right? It is a pity! In my own time, kerosene was very scarce. It was imported from Britain. Fifty-four years after independence, we are still importing kerosene and it is very expensive. Also, good sanitation has been compromised. Everyday new maladies are discovered. Some of these diseases manifest because of slum dwellings as a result of city expansion. This is fallout of bad planning. Those in authority are supposed to have planned for future expansion. If they had, there wouldn’t have been slums which dot the country now.
What do you think is responsible for your long life?
There are many things responsible. But first of all, it is the grace of God. How one lives also contribute to longevity. The food one eats also plays a major role. I have not seen children climbing orange or mango trees with knives in their hands and eating the fruits to their satisfaction and before they come down. In my days, we got fresh fruits, vegetables and fish from the source and they provided vitality to our bodies. The nutrients we got from them could not be compared with what obtains today. Also, there were some particular nuts we used to get from forest which were better than today’s biscuits and fried chips. It is a pity that many of these are no longer appealing. Remember, you can’t think well, if you don’t eat well.
What is the secret of longevity?
To live long, you should not bear grudges; honour your parents and elders; fear your God; obey constituted authority – they stand in place of God; do not allow abusive words to proceed out of your mouth; work hard; eat right and create time to rest.
Why are you clad in royal regalia?
I am a title holder in my village. I was awarded a chieftaincy title in Esin Ufot Village in Oron. But I am not yet a village head. The matter is still in contention. There is a document that has to be signed by the government for me to be recognised as the village head. Except this is done, I am still a chief.
Did you send your children to school?
Yes, I sent my children to school. They are all well-educated. Two of my sons are lawyers while one is a medical doctor. My first son is a retired merchant navy captain; my first daughter is a graduate of Economics from the University of Calabar, Cross River State. I have many other children and grandchildren too who are graduates. Punch
Did he mention God’s grace