Permit me to ask you few questiones. If I have your permision, then my question can result to a little logical works on your part.
Every historical facts indicates that Biafra was formed out of the eastern nigeria.
The eastern people of Nigeria opted out the fedarating units of the republic in 1967 after pogrom was commited against it's population by the people of Northern Nigeria in particular and the rest of Nigerians in general. as a result to the pogroms and imminent genocide against it's population, the people compared the options within their reach and unainimously decided on secesion as a means of securing future for the unborn and as a reaction to the situation of the moment. a seniario that was handled by the council of elders of the people of eastern nigeria, in which, after due consultations with the population, decided to quit Nigeria and form a new country that is called Biafra.
The compornents of this new country are made of various nationales that does not have one language in common, even though they share the same presecution from the old state with the same intensity at the time. Nevertheless, they were geographicaly commited and have every similarity in tradition,culture and religion which atleast provides the convenient situation for statehood.
The chosen name for these group of people was called Biafra.
Now, othniel my dear friend, if asked to provide some logical insights about the chosen name of these group of people. Do they have to chose a name that has a literial(if yes, in what language will it come from) or symbolic meaning? .
___________________ He likened the second coming of Christ to the realisation of the Biafran dream, stating that at a time people least expect, the much sought Biafra would be a reality..Rev. Fr. Cornelius Ezeiloaku Posts: 622 | From: santiago, chile | Registered: Jan 2002
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UMUIBE, Thank you all, for the effort you have all made to answer this question raised on this tread by those who dread the name BIAFRA. BIAFRA is a nightmare for certain people who wants us to forget who we are, and above all forget our history and struggle to have a country we can proudly call home.
It is time to stop responding to this tread. It is unfortunate that some people have eyes but can not see. From the begining i personally viewed the question of what Biafra means as nonesense.
quote: Every historical facts indicates that Biafra was formed out of the eastern nigeria. -Okwyonwuka
Okwyonwuka there are thousands of historical facts about Biafra, and not one of them indicate that Biafra "was formed out of the eastern nigeria". I guess you must have gotten something wrong there.
Biafra is older than nigeria. The Biafra which Mr Ojukwu and his government created consisted of the already present East-Nigerian demarcation lines. These demarcation lines were drafted in 1885-1887 by the 14 nations who took part in the notorious "Berlin conference" which was held in Berlin, Germany. Thus the Biafra of Ojukwu is not the original historical Biafra as can be seen on the maps of the european and phoenician travellers from the 15th and 16th centuries.
quote: a seniario that was handled by the council of elders of the people of eastern nigeria, in which, after due consultations with the population, decided to quit Nigeria and form a new country that is called Biafra. The chosen name for these group of people was called Biafra. -Okwyonwuka
Soso......after "due consultations with the population"? Would you be so kind and specify what these "due consultations" were, when exactly they took place and in what form?! I would like to know this in order to be assured if truly the decision to secede and to call the name of the new nation "Baifra" was properly supported by the majority of the people of the former east-nigeria-sector.
I'm awaiting your reply on this.
quote: Do they have to chose a name that has a literial(if yes, in what language will it come from) or symbolic meaning? -Okwyonwuka
Okwyonwuka this question you asked hits the point!
Would you sign a contract-document without knowing the content of it? Would you marry a woman without knowing her first? Would you buy a car without driving in it first? Would you join a religous group without knowing the meaning of the group's name? Would you give your child a name without knowing the meaning of that name?
The group which you wrote about should at the very least know the meaning of their name. They should not be ignorant about it. In knowing the truth lies true and lasting freedom. When you are ignorant of certain things in life, then death, both spiritual and physical, lies ahead.
The name "Biafra" - what does it mean? If there are any negativisms about this name, then it would be very embarrassing for the igbos to call themselves and their country by that name.
___________________ Der Mensch kann tun was er will, aber er kann nicht wollen was er will! Posts: 62 | From: Germany | Registered: Feb 2004
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Mr Njoku, please realize that not one single person who offered a reply to the question was able to answer the question. With what justification therefore are you writing that the people should stop responding to this thread? When you spoke of people having eyes but cannot see, were you referring to yourself?
Biafra was a nightmare for all those innocent igbo and effik-speaking people who died because Mr Ojukwu and his government undemocratically decided to rename the former east-nigeria as "Biafra", and secede from nigeria.
Biafra is still a nightmare to many igbo people who are looking with growing concern at the self-destruction of igbo-people within the various biafran groupings. Just look at the nonsense your fellow biafrans are displaying with the "voiceofbiafra.com", "embassy of biafra", "biafra-house", "massob", etc.
If you really know "who you are" and you define yourself as a Biafran then that's fine and noone should have anything against it. However, when I ask you to state the literal meaning of the word which you use to define yourself (=Biafra), and the only replies I get from Biafrans are insults and chicken advices such as "it's time to stop responding..." then that's not right and it certainly does not reflect the couragous spirit of the Biafrans of 1967-1970.
___________________ Der Mensch kann tun was er will, aber er kann nicht wollen was er will! Posts: 62 | From: Germany | Registered: Feb 2004
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OTHNIEL , I guess your entitled to your own opinion. Ndi Igbo is not as worse off as the Yorubas, the Hausa, or any ethnic group in Nigeria considering that we bear the greatest burden of the war and we are still Ndi Igbo in every aspect of common sense. Our well being may have been disrupted but we are destined to the mountain top. Our gift is our faith in God and our believe in Sophist classic theory of hardwork. Copy?
And to answer your question and satisfy your curiosity and others, the word Biafra came from a group of elder Biafrans who decided to pull out of Nigeria for good cause and for the best interest of "All Eastern Nigeria" . Just like Apple Computer, Microsft, Halliburton,USA, Federal Express, Hispanic, Hispaniola, Black people, White people and many others. All these companies pulled out of certain group for special reasons and some named by single individual for differentiation. None of these names have an authentic originality. A name is just an id, NOT REQUIRED to have originality. Please, note that the original intent for the best interest of NdiIgbo and the so-called South/South is still alive. Now, does that answer your question?
Hail Biafra
[ May 10, 2004, 03:00 PM: Message edited by: Waypoint1Biafra ]
Posts: 1685 | From: Minnesota USA | Registered: Mar 2001
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No, it doesn't because the answer which you've offered has nothing to do with the question. In case you've forgotten here is the question again: What is the origin and the literal meaning of the word "Biafra"?
quote: the word Biafra came from a group of elder Biafrans who decided to pull out of Nigeria -Waypoint1Biafra
Waypoint the question about the origin and literal meaning of the word "Biafra" has not been answered. You've written where the word Biafra came from (a group of elderly people who decided to pull out of Nigeria), even this information is false and wrong. Biafra is older than Nigeria, so your claim definitely cannot be right.
Besides, Mr Ojukwu was born in 1933. In 1967, at the age of 34, he became the leader and head of state of the Federal Republic of Biafra. Millions envied him for having such a powerful position at this rather young, Oh I'm sorry, "elderly" age.
Soso....34 years is elderly!?! Interesting. Very interesting indeed.
quote: Just like Apple Computer, Microsft, Halliburton,USA, Federal Express, Hispanic, Hispaniola, Black people, White people and many others. None of these names have an authentic originality-Waypoint1Biafra
Please allow me help you out there:
Apple Computer: you know what an apple is, don't you? If not, check this : Malus Domestica, Malus=apple (n.,latin=evil), domestica (adj.,around the house) Microsoft: a combination word, consisting of two words: Micro (=Prefix for basic metric units; very small; especially MICROSCOPIC; involving minute quantities or variations ) Soft: abbreviation from Software (=computer program/application) HalliburtonScottish origin possibly meaning holy dwelling, click here USA ??? be real, you mean you still don't know that it's United States of Africa? Hispanic Latin: hispanicus, from Hispania Iberian Peninsula, Spain; literal meaning of Spain --->rare; precious I'm sure you don't need any literal explanation about Federal Express, do you? Black people, white people are self-explanatory, and Hispaniola is a spanish word taken from the root Spain.
Your entire wall of arguments which you've offered to avoid answering this question (what is the meaning of Biafra) which involves ALL Biafrans, has thus fallen down (like the walls of Jericho came tumbling down).
Microsoft, Apple, Halliburton, FedEx - just name them - they are all uniquely original and all have a literal meaning and a whole story about their names. By the way, you've claimed that "All these companies pulled out of certain group". From which "group" did Microsoft, Apple, Halliburton and FedEx "pull out"? Please, ensure that you provide an answer for the (silent) forum readers, will you?
quote:A name is just an id, NOT REQUIRED to have originality. -Waypoint1Biafra
Waypoint, judging from your posts about the color of Christ and your anti-gay stand, I take it that you're religious (at least to some degree)? If so, you should know that the name of God (YVHV) is nothing to play with. The third commandment of God forbids the "using of the name of God in vain", and was sanctionend in the days of ancient Israel with death by stoning. How about the Lord's prayer: "Our father who art in heaven - hallowed by thy name", right? RIGHT?
___________________ Der Mensch kann tun was er will, aber er kann nicht wollen was er will! Posts: 62 | From: Germany | Registered: Feb 2004
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Othniel Nobody owe you any explaintion of what Biafra means. The great people who are members of this great website have shown you, they are decent people and have taken time to answer your question.
Yet you are being unreasonable, you have resorted to rudeness and abuse. Like i said earlier, it is time to stop responding to your senseless question.
quote: The great people who are members of this great website have shown you, they are decent people and have taken time to answer your question. -Njoku
Mr Njoku, Some of the "great" members of this BNW forum have shown their greatness in the usage of abusive foul language and in their lack of knowledge about the original ancient Biafra.
When your "great" forum users use insultive words (just read the post in the threads which I've opened and in some others) is that what you call decent? Where were you when your "great" members insulted half-castes? Where were you when your "great" members wrote insult after insult to AfroEuro? Now, when you realize that the simple question I've asked has become your wake-up call in your deep Biafran/Massobian dream of vanity, you begin to talk about "...stop responding...ignore him...".
Biafrans owe it to themselves to be properly informed about Biafra. Half-knowledge is the cause of many tragedies and catastrophies. It makes no difference who you are, how old you, Mr Njoke, are, or if you've taken part in the war of 1967-1970. As long as you claim to be from Biafra, you owe it to yourself and those you inform about Biafra to be properly educated about Biafra.
You cannot escape the question. Your silence speaks very loud. Don't you know that many people around the globe read this forum, politicians included? The result of your silence (and insults) you will reap them during harvest time.
All the same, the question remains: Where does the word "Biafra" come from?
Simple question which requires a simple answer.
Shalom.
___________________ Der Mensch kann tun was er will, aber er kann nicht wollen was er will! Posts: 62 | From: Germany | Registered: Feb 2004
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Dear fellow proud to be Igbo, I believe the more we respond to this benin chap the more we give him the avenue to continue his insult, which unfortunately as a youth he does not see. In his mind insults could only come in the form of words like "idiot, stupid, fool" and the like without the realization that when you make fun of someone's last name for instance it is considered a form of insult.
Please encourage the other Igbo/Biafrans to give him the silent treatment no matter how provocative he might get and will get. This would ultimately spell his end take it from someone who knows. As you can tell he and his fellow traitors are yet to attempt an answer on my simple question. Know why? None exists, zero zip! You also may have noticed my behavior (ignore) lately towards him until they answer my simple question "what is the LITERAL meaning of Benin?" Don't you think if he has the slightest meaning of this word with his rate & frequency of posting the info would have been swift in coming? To his credit, his direct rudeness seems to be subsiding lately unlike his earlier writings, which portrayed someone on sugar in overdrive.
To the Yoruba who might have a twisted opinion about me based on my strong expose of the evil they (male) have committed on my race let me share an experience this past Sunday.
While I was engaged in a tete-a-tete with a couple of friends, a Yoruba lady with her mother and little ones were having a hard time getting over a culvert I did what the Igbo do best I broke my conversation and ran to their rescue. It was the Igbo in me and all Igbo that propelled me as I am sure she and her family are not enemies of mine. Can a Yoruba/Benin speak similarly? Hmmm?
___________________ BIAFRA: The land of my ancestors now, yesterday and always. So it will be! Posts: 2483 | From: Ala Igbo | Registered: Apr 2004
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Just in case you might have forgotten: the following questions have been suspiciously left unanswered by all the proud, brave, courageous, war-songs-singing and death-wish-praying Biafrans such as Ukoabasi (who has now taken on a second nickname: MeBiafran), Waypoint, Njoku, Chiboy and many more.
Where does the word BIAFRA come from?
What language is BIAFRA? Is BIAFRA an african word?
Who first used the word BIAFRA?
Surely, the honourable forum-users can shed some more light on these highly important questions.
They are important, because if at the end of the day we find out that maybe BIAFRA is a european word-invention, or maybe BIAFRA is a word used by European travellers of the 15th and 16th centuries as a curse for black people, then the ones who dared to hastily call Igboland "The Republic of Biafra" must be added to the list of ibgo-traitors and ibgo ill-wishers.
___________________ Der Mensch kann tun was er will, aber er kann nicht wollen was er will! Posts: 62 | From: Germany | Registered: Feb 2004
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The word Biafra indeed is a mystery for self-proclaimed Biafrans. Fact is, that the geographical location of what war-criminal Ojukwu defined as "Biafra" is not what the european travellers drew in their maps. Neither is the name "Biafra" that which is found written on the maps from the 16th centuries.
Yet, we still do not know the literal meaning of the word Biafra.
Posts: 65 | Registered: Feb 2004
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My God, either your a joker or simply juvenile because your pathology speaks volume about your level of envy for Biafrans. I probably don't know what it means to be a minority in Nigeria or Afro and European in Europe. But I know one thing, you strike me as an incorrigible child. I hope you come to understand that the name Biafra is encrypted for former Eastern Nigeria and I dare you to give a damn, stupid!
Hail Biafra
[ May 27, 2004, 02:49 PM: Message edited by: Waypoint1Biafra ]
Posts: 1685 | From: Minnesota USA | Registered: Mar 2001
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quote:Does it worth any further response from anyone?
The responses are there - but among them not one reasonable answer.
quote:... the name Biafra is encrypted for former Eastern Nigeria...
to encrypt = Latin crypta, from Greek krypte, from feminine of kryptos hidden, from kryptein to hide ----> to encipher (==a method of transforming a text in order to conceal its meaning).
The word Biafra is older than "The former Eastern Nigeria". The maps from the 16th centuries prove exactly that. Your definition of Biafra is thusly wrong. Again, another self-proclaimed Biafran who has given justice to the image of ignorant self-proclaimed Biafrans who keep on turning in circles instead of answering the question.
The word Biafra is encrypted? Who did the encryption at what time and for what purpose? If what you've written is correct, can you then decrypt / decode the word Biafra?
Got any other better explanation to offer?
quote:...you strike me as an incorrigible child...
Then correct me if you can. Correct me by stating what the literal meaning of Baifra is. As a good father, do you have any corrections to offer, or are you merely ashamed at your own ignorance?
[ May 27, 2004, 03:50 PM: Message edited by: AfroEuro ]
Posts: 65 | Registered: Feb 2004
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As a new member of this board and son of BIAFRA, in behalf of my fellow compatriots I would like to have your description of what Biafra means to us. Based on my previous exchanges with you I somewhat believed njiko umuigbo is a reincarnated othniel therefore your position on what BIAFRA is and means to the Igbo should put any remaining doubt to the cooler. Please without distractions let me hear from you. Nde ewo!
___________________ BIAFRA: The land of my ancestors now, yesterday and always. So it will be! Posts: 2483 | From: Ala Igbo | Registered: Apr 2004
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It's so strange that you would avoid a thread that affects you as a 'BIAFRAN' but quick to express your opinion on the literal meaning of benin. Know why? I believe you're doing your darn best to avoid being detected by the eagle eyes of vigilant BIAFRANS in the house. Please tell us what you believe BIAFRA means to the Igbo and how proud you are. The meaning and what BIAFRA is to us should be such an easy task considering this quote of yours, which I'm sure does not include me.
quote: I agree with you chaps on a lot of issues but differ on the method and timeline for implementation.May be it`s because i think i might be somewhat older than some youthful writers in this forum.
As someone that claimed to be “older” to most writers, “chaps” to borrow your parlance the answer to this basic yet simple question should be forthcoming without arm twisting. Don't you think?
___________________ BIAFRA: The land of my ancestors now, yesterday and always. So it will be! Posts: 2483 | From: Ala Igbo | Registered: Apr 2004
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"The name Guinea is found on maps of the middle of the 14th century, but it did not come into general use in Europe till towards the close of the 15th century.t Although the term Gulf of Guinea is applied generally to that part of the coast south of Cape Palmas and north of the mouth of the Congo, particular indentations have their peculiar designations. The bay formed by the configuration of the land between Cape St Paul and the Nun mouth of the Niger is known as the Bight of Benin, the name being that of the once powerful native state whose territory formerly extended over the whole district. The Bight of Biafra, or Mafra (named after the town of Mafra in southern Portugal), between Capes Formosa and Lopez, is the most eastern part of the Gulf of Guinea; it contains the islands Fernando P0, Princes and St Thomass. The name Biafra as indicating the countryfell into disuse in the later part of the i9th century".
___________________ Only LOVE released into the world will bring revolution. Posts: 12 | From: Universe | Registered: Sep 2004
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___________________ BIAFRA: The land of my ancestors now, yesterday and always. So it will be! Posts: 2483 | From: Ala Igbo | Registered: Apr 2004
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quote:The Bight of Biafra, or Mafra (named after the town of Mafra in southern Portugal), between Capes Formosa and Lopez, is the most eastern part of the Gulf of Guinea...-Ripples
Ripples, according to what you've written, Biafra is actually a non-african word? Please confirm and state your sources. Mercy beaucoup.
MeBiafran, not everyone who disagrees with your views on igbo-land is automatically a "resurfaced Othniel".
I didn't witness the Biafra war. I wasn't born when it took place. I heard it the story from Parents, Uncles, Aunties, etc.
First of all, before you start labelling me as whatever - I'm Igbo. I'm from Arondizuogu, Ideato North LG!
I think this is a very important question raised. What is the literal meaning of Biafra. As a young Igbo man, I come to this forum always to browse and read viewpoints.
However, I must express my disappointment in you all on this forum who hold high the virtues of Biafra and CANNOT answer a simple question - what is the literal meaning of Biafra? Even if he person questioning you is your enermy - isn't it wise to answser your enermy's questions? If not for anything but to put him/her to shame? I'm very saddened to see responses to a question filled with unnecessary attacks.
For your information, the posts on this forum is available for all! I know there are other young Igbos out there reading this and in the there's no usefull information as to the meaning of the word Biafra. As a young Igbo man, how can I accept Biafra when you all as the crusaders of the Biafran cause can't tell me the meaning? Or do you think you're telling Othneil the meaning? NO! The meaning once posted is for all to read and know.
I remember my mother telling that during the war, that schools in the SE region where being taught the French language instead of English as being taught in Nigerian schools. I guess the name of BIAFRA was a call to France then - right? Bia - Come. Fra - France????? It makes sense to me and will continue to until you guys start providing information that benefits the younger generation who do not know!
Posts: 9 | Registered: May 2004
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As "Nwa Mazi" I am indeed disappointed that you did not take the time to review the numerous expressions by your brothers before making this premature and ill advised commentary. For starters, had you taken the time to go through what was explained to othniel, the bini guy and his yoroba counterparts, you would have read where it was explained that BIAFRA was an idea that came based on the history of the people of Bight of Biafra. Please take the time and read about these people to see the relationship between them and the Igbo/Eastern Regioners. They shared the same fate about eradication by their enemies. Let me ask you this, what does ING mean? To some it is an ending but to the Canadian based company that bears this name, it is a beginning. A name is what the bearer wants it to be so please stop this. OK?? You should know when someone does some just to scorn and when academics is intended. This inquiry was only to insult not about education hard as they try to conceal their intentions it was glaringly clear. I am also a bonafide and could tell you more about Izogu than you know, trust me. While you are at it, please tell us the full and total meaning of Benin, Yoruba, Arewa and all that crap!
Metatron
quote:MeBiafran, not everyone who disagrees with a your views on igbo-land is automatically a "resurfaced Othniel".
Othniel, long time? Could you please sir, cite what part of the constitution I am in violation of for believing that you or anyone who just registers to insult the Igbo is othniel?
___________________ BIAFRA: The land of my ancestors now, yesterday and always. So it will be! Posts: 2483 | From: Ala Igbo | Registered: Apr 2004
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CEO, I couldn`t help laughing at your analogy that Biafra must mean biafrance!As an igbo person you claim ,you owe it to all in this forum to find the meaning of Biafra if you are truely who you claim.
Afterall,i can equally claim to be from Otun or Ijero or Ikare in Ikare-ekiti LGA of ekiti state.The fact that you quoted some town in Igboland isn`t enough feat to convince any one of anything.Especially with your ridiculous or rather mocking analogy of the meaning of Biafra.
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