Nweke Chinonso Caleb @nwekechinonso2022

OKPOHO

The Okpoho is an ancient money invented by the Efik and used extensively in the 16th century AD across West Africa as a medium of monetary exchange in trade between the Europeans and indigenous west Africans.

Made of bronze or copper, the Okpoho was usually formed into a ring-shaped object that looked like a bracelet with each end of the ring flattened out. Because it looked like a bracelet (and in fact, was sometimes worn around the wrists, neck or ankles as bracelets by women of wealthy husbands), the Spanish called it 'manilla', meaning bracelets.

The Okpoho originated in ancient Calabar City, Efik country, and its use was documented in the 16th AD as a medium of monetary exchange where one Okpoho bought one elephant tooth, and one slave could be bought for 8 to 10 Okpohos during the slave trade era.
The Okpoho is also featured at the back of the Nigerian N100 currency note, and also in the Akwa Ibom State seal, and in many other places.

Table of summary:
Name: Okpoho
Function: money
Origin: Calabar, Efik country.
Region used: West Africa
Material: Bronze, copper, or brass.
Invented: around 16th century AD
Declined: April 1, 1949.
Replaced by: British Pound

#HistoryofOkpoho

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Deep in the heart of the mystical land of Sobali, nestled along the treacherous riverbank, lived a man named Thomas Uligwe. Thomas was an ordinary villager with an extraordinary curiosity for the unknown. Little did he know that his insatiable quest for knowledge would lead him to a truly terrifying encounter.

One fateful night, as the moon hung low in the ink-black sky, Thomas found himself drawn to the river's edge. A chilling wind whispered through the tall reeds, sending shivers down his spine. Ignoring the warning signs, he ventured closer, his heart pounding with both fear and excitement.

It was then that he noticed a faint glimmer in the water, a mystical glow that danced upon the surface. Intrigued, Thomas reached out, his fingers breaking the stillness of the river. Suddenly, a surge of energy coursed through his veins, filling him with an otherworldly power.

Unbeknownst to Thomas, his touch had awakened an ancient and vengeful spirit that dwelled within the river. The spirit, known as the Dark Water Serpent, rose from the depths, its monstrous form coiling and writhing with malicious intent.

A haunting voice echoed through the night, chilling Thomas to the core. "You dare disturb my slumber, mortal?" the spirit hissed, its voice a symphony of malevolence. "Prepare to face the consequences of your reckless curiosity."

Thomas stumbled backward, his heart pounding in his chest as the Dark Water Serpent advanced toward him. Its eyes glowed with an unholy light, and its fangs dripped with venomous malice. Paralyzed with fear, Thomas knew he had awakened a force beyond his comprehension.

Desperate to survive, Thomas frantically searched his mind for a way to appease the wrathful spirit. Remembering tales from the village elders, he realized that only an offering of the purest intentions could quell the spirit's anger.

With trembling hands, Thomas reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, intricately carved wooden figurine, a cherished possession that symbolized his deepest desires for peace and harmony. Holding it aloft, he spoke with a voice laced with sincerity.

"Great spirit of the river, I offer you this token of my humility and respect," Thomas pleaded, his voice barely a whisper. "Forgive my ignorance and spare me from your wrath. I seek only understanding."

Silence hung heavily in the air, and for a moment, Thomas feared that his plea had fallen on deaf ears. But then, as if touched by an invisible hand, the Dark Water Serpent's demeanor softened. Its monstrous form began to dissolve, revealing a gentle river nymph, her eyes shimmering with a mixture of sorrow and acceptance.

"You have shown remorse, mortal, and for that, I spare you," the nymph said, her voice now gentle and soothing. "Remember, knowledge can be a double-edged sword. Seek wisdom, but always respect the boundaries of the unknown."

With those words, the river nymph vanished, leaving Thomas alone on the riverbank. From that night on, he carried with him a newfound reverence for the mysteries of the world, forever mindful of the dangers that lurked just beyond his reach.

And so, the tale of Thomas Uligwe, the man who dared to awaken a vengeful spirit, became a cautionary legend whispered by the fireside for generations to come, reminding the people of Sobali to tread carefully in the realm of magic and the unknown.

As the legend of Thomas Uligwe spread throughout the village of Sobali, it took on a life of its own, growing in both fear and fascination. People recounted the tale with hushed voices and wide eyes, passing it down from one generation to the next.

The villagers, once intrigued by the mysteries of the river, now approached its waters with caution and respect. They offered small tokens of gratitude, such as flowers and prayers, to the spirits that dwelled within. They heeded the lesson that Thomas had learned the hard way: that the pursuit of knowledge should always be tempered with reverence and humility.

Thomas himself became somewhat of a local hero, though he carried the weight of his encounter with the Dark Water Serpent as a solemn reminder. He dedicated himself to studying the ancient lore of Sobali, seeking to understand the delicate balance between the mortal realm and the realm of magic.

With time, Thomas became an esteemed elder, sought after by both villagers and travelers alike for his wisdom and guidance. He shared his story with all who would listen, emphasizing the importance of respecting the boundaries of the unknown and the dangers that lay in arrogance and ignorance.

The legend of Thomas Uligwe became a pillar of Sobali's cultural identity, shaping the village's relationship with magic and the supernatural. It fostered a deep sense of community, as the villagers united in their shared understanding of the delicate harmony that existed between their world and the mystical forces that surrounded them.

To this day, Sobali remains a place where ancient traditions thrive, where the children are raised on stories of Thomas Uligwe's encounter with the Dark Water Serpent. The riverbank, once feared and shunned, is now regarded as a sacred place, a boundary between the tangible and the ethereal.

And as the villagers gaze out across the river's shimmering surface, they are reminded of the bravery and humility of Thomas Uligwe, whose tale serves as a constant reminder of the power and peril that dwell within the realm of magic.

In the bustling town of Okpachi, there lived a man named Arinze, who had found himself in quite the peculiar predicament. You see, Arinze had not one, but two wives—Kachi and Kamso, both equally unique in their own delightful ways.

Arinze was a charming and charismatic fellow, but he often found himself caught between the mischievous antics of his two loving wives. Kachi was known for her adventurous nature, always seeking out new experiences and dragging Arinze along for the ride. Kamso, on the other hand, was a master of wit and sarcasm, keeping Arinze on his toes with her clever banter.

One sunny day, Arinze decided to take his wives on a spontaneous trip to the beach. Kachi, ever the daredevil, convinced Arinze to try his hand at surfing. With a gleeful smile, she handed him a bright pink surfboard, claiming it would bring him good luck. Arinze, not one to back down from a challenge, eagerly jumped into the waves.

As Arinze paddled out into the ocean, Kamso sat on the shore, watching with a mischievous twinkle in her eye. She had a plan up her sleeve. Unbeknownst to Arinze, she had secretly replaced the wax on his surfboard with a particularly slippery variety.

As Arinze caught his first wave, he quickly realized something was amiss. The moment his feet touched the waxed surface, he went flying off the board, arms flailing and hair in disarray. Kachi burst into laughter, rolling on the sand as Arinze emerged from the water, drenched and looking rather sheepish.

But the fun didn't end there. Determined to get back at Kamso for her clever prank, Arinze hatched a devious plot of his own. That evening, as they sat down for a home-cooked meal, Arinze presented a dish he claimed was a secret family recipe—a spicy pepper stew.

Kamso, known for her love of spicy food, eagerly took a bite, only to find her mouth engulfed in an inferno of heat. As she reached for a glass of water, Arinze and Kachi exchanged a mischievous glance. It turned out that Arinze had added an extra kick to the dish, just for Kamso's amusement.

From that day forward, Arinze, Kachi, and Kamso continued to fill their lives with laughter and playful pranks. They understood that life was too short to take everything seriously, and their unique bond made each day an adventure filled with love, laughter, and a healthy dose of good-natured mischief.

And so, in the quirky town of Okpachi, the legend of Arinze and his two wives, Kachi and Kamso, lived on, leaving behind a trail of laughter and fond memories wherever they went.

Once upon a time, in a quaint village nestled amidst rolling hills, there lived a diligent Hen named Hilda and a wise Tortoise named Timothy. They were known far and wide for their remarkable friendship and their extraordinary adventures.

One sunny morning, Hilda clucked excitedly as she discovered a hidden treasure map buried beneath the old oak tree. The map depicted a path leading to a legendary golden apple tree that was said to grant immense wisdom to whoever consumed its fruit. Hilda, being a curious and adventurous soul, was determined to embark on this perilous journey.

Eager to share her discovery, Hilda hurriedly made her way to Timothy's home, which was located near a shimmering pond. She found Timothy basking in the warm sunlight, his shell glistening with droplets of water.

"Hilda, my dear friend, what brings you here with such excitement?" Timothy asked, his voice calm and steady.

With a wide grin, Hilda unfolded the treasure map, explaining the golden apple tree and its promise of wisdom. "Timothy, we must set forth on this grand adventure together! With your wisdom and my determination, we shall surely succeed!"

Timothy pondered for a moment, his ancient eyes filled with wisdom. "Hilda, my dear friend, I am honored by your trust in me. Let us embark on this quest, but remember, our strengths lie in our differences. While you possess agility and quickness, I possess patience and resilience. Together, we shall overcome any obstacle."

And so, Hilda and Timothy embarked on their journey, following the winding path marked on the treasure map. They traversed dense forests, crossed treacherous rivers, and climbed towering mountains. Throughout their arduous trek, their friendship grew stronger, each relying on the unique qualities of the other.

One day, as they entered a dark and ominous cave, their path was blocked by a massive boulder. Hilda clucked anxiously, unsure of how to proceed. Timothy, however, remained calm and composed.

"Hilda, my dear friend," Timothy said, his voice steady and reassuring, "fear not. I may not possess your strength, but I have an idea." He retreated into his shell and began to carefully plan their next move.

Emerging from his shell, Timothy suggested, "Hilda, perch upon my back, and with all your might, flap your wings as I slowly push the boulder with my sturdy shell."

Hilda, though skeptical, trusted Timothy's wisdom and climbed upon his back. Together, they executed the plan. Hilda flapped her wings with all her might, while Timothy, using his steady pace, pushed the boulder inch by inch. After what seemed like an eternity, the boulder finally gave way, and their path was clear.

Overjoyed, Hilda hopped off Timothy's back, and they continued their journey. Finally, after many trials and tribulations, they arrived at the fabled golden apple tree. Its branches shimmered with the promise of wisdom, and a single golden apple hung from its highest bough.

Hilda plucked the apple with her beak, and Timothy carefully held it in his claws. Together, they took a bite, and a profound sense of enlightenment washed over them. They realized that their unique qualities, when combined, were a force to be reckoned with.

Returning to their village, Hilda and Timothy shared their newfound wisdom with the other animals. They became revered figures, known for their unwavering friendship and the lessons they imparted.

And so, the tale of the diligent Hen, Hilda, and the wise Tortoise, Timothy, lived on for generations, reminding everyone that true strength lies not in our individual abilities, but in the harmony and unity found within friendship.