The Nation Newspaper

Category: Northern Report

  • Traders, motorcyclists clash

    There was pandemonium at the popular Dei-dei Timber Shade at Deidei community in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), when Igbo timber traders clashed with commercial motorcycle operators.

    According to eyewitnesses, the death of one of the timber traders sparked the crisis.

    One of the eyewitnesses, Mr. Painter Ganiu, told our correspondent that the crisis occurred when a female food vendor who was crossing to the other side of the road was hit by an okada rider.

    His words: “As the woman tried to grip the okada rider to make him pay for her food, he attempted to run away, but was immediately accosted by an unidentified trader who prevented him from escaping, insisting that he must pay for the food.

    “Out of desperation to escape, the okada rider immediately brought out a dagger and stabbed the trader, who screamed and fell on the ground. Noticing that a colleague of theirs had been stabbed, other traders rushed to prvent the okada rider from escaping, even as they tried to save the life of their stabbed colleague by taking him to the hospital.

    “But, before they could take him to the hospital, the young man died. When they noticed that the young man was dead, the traders pounced on the okada rider and started beating him mercilessly. As he was shouting, other okada riders left their bikes and attacked the traders.

    “When the security personnel came to calm the situation, all the bike riders ran into the bush, while the traders ran to their sheds. I cannot really say what happened to the man that stabbed the trader, because all of them took to their heels on sighting the security personnel.”

    Another eye witness, Alhassan Mohammed said the crisis extended from Dei-dei Timber Shade to Dei-dei and Tomatoes junctions, where Hausa men attacked the Igbo traders, beating and injuring any one they could lay their hands on.

  • Jonathan’s over N332.25 million largesse for athletes

    On Wednesday last week, another feather was added in the cap of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan at the Banquet Hall of the State House, Abuja.

    The occasion was the reception held in honour of the over 350 athletes and officials who had won various medals and laurels for Nigeria at various international and continental championships in the past seven months.

    Before the programme began, President Jonathan, who is spending his fourth year in office, had been claimed to have surpassed all his predecessors, including those who spent eight years in office, in many sectors of the economy.

    Apart from taking credit for making the Nigerian economy the largest growing economy in the continent and 22nd largest economy globally, Jonathan’s transformation agenda is said to have achieved unprecedented reforms in many sectors including agriculture, power, education, railway and aviation.

    Many critics have, however, punctured and disagreed with many of the claims.

    The Sports Minister, Tamuno Danagogo did not fail to add another feather in the bowler cap of President Jonathan at the reception for the athletes and officials that day.

    According to him, Jonathan’s administration has witnessed the highest haul of sporting medals in the annals of Nigeria’s history.

    He attributed the medals harvest to the legendary love, moral and financial support and the calm and calculated approach adopted in the sports sector by President Jonathan.

    Blessing Okagbare, who won gold medals in the 100m and 200m event at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, 100m gold at the African Senior Athletic Championship and 4×100m gold at the African Senior Athletics Championship this year, presented a plaque at the reception on behalf of all the athletes to President Jonathan for his unprecedented support to the sports sector.

    Despite the Ebola Virus Disease threat, Jonathan, at the reception, shook hands with all the over 350 athletes besides awarding some of them with national honours a week earlier.

    The female athletes, who filed out for the handshake and group photographs with the President at the reception, wore white lace and green headgear while the male athletes wore white safari suit and green bowler hat.

    President Jonathan went beyond the Presidential handshakes some of the past leaders were known for by announcing total cash reward of over N332.25 million to the victorious athletes and officials.

    Announcing the cash reward, President Jonathan said: “I have the honour, on behalf of the government and people of Nigeria to announce the following token donations. African Senior Wrestling Championship: We have four gold, two silver, four bronze medals, two coaches and two team officials.

    For the Gold, you will get N1 million each, Silver N750, 000 each, Bronze N500, 000 each. Coaches to get N1 million each while team officials get N250, 000 each.

    “For African Junior Wrestling Championship we have one gold, one silver and six bronze medals, two coaches and three team officials. The gold medalists will get N750, 000, each, Silver N500, 000, each and Bronze N250, 000 each. Coaches to get N750, 000 each and team officials will get N250, 000 each.

    “For World Power Lifting Championship in Dubai, we have five gold, one silver and one bronze medals, two coaches, two Secretaries of medal officials and five team officials. The Gold medalists will get N2.5 million each, Silver N1.5 million each and bronze N1 million each. The coaches will receive N1 million each, the Secretaries of medal officials N500, 000 each and team officials N250, 000 each.

    “For Commonwealth Games, we have 11 gold, 21 silver and 18 bronze medals. They were handled by 16 coaches, 27 team officials, seven further team officials and six helpers. The gold medalists will receive N2.5 million each, silver N1.5 million each and bronze N1 million each. Coaches will get N1 million each, main team officials N750, 000 each and supporting team officials N500,000 each, helpers and loaders N250,000 each.

    “For the World Team Athletic Championship in the United States, we had one silver medal and one coach and three team officials handled the person. The silver medalist will get N1 million, the coach N750, 000 and team officials N250, 000 each.

    “For African Team Athletic Championship in Morocco, we have 17 gold, 12 silver, seven bronze and six medals. The team was handled by coaches, one assistant coach and five team officials. The gold medalists will get N1 million each, silver medalists will receive N750, 000 each, bronze medalists will get N500,000 each, the coaches N1 million each, assistant coaches N500, 000 each and team officials N250,000 each.

    “For FIFA Under 20 team, the Falconets, we won silver and each player will get N1 million each, Head Coach will get N750,000, two assistant coaches will get N500,000 each and team officials N500,000 each and the curator, N250,000.

    “For African Youth Games in Botswana, we had 42 gold, 13 silver and 19 bronze medals. 17 coaches handled them, five assistant coaches and 30 team officials. Each gold medalist will get N1 million each, silver N750, 000 each and bronze N500, 000 each. The coaches will get N1 million each, assistant coaches N500, 000 each and team officials will get N500, 000 each.

    “For those who participated at international handball competition in Sweden, we have gold by 12 players. Two coaches and five team officials handled them. The gold medalists will receive N500, 000 each, the coaches N500, 000 each and team officials N250, 000 each.

    “For our able team that went to China but were discriminated against, each of them will get a consolation prize of N500, 000 each.”

    He promised that the reward for the athletes would be doubled if they win medals at the forthcoming 2015 All African Games and 2016 Olympic games.

     

     

  • Gridlock: FCTA installs security devices

    Gridlock: FCTA installs security devices

    TO enhance traffic management and security of commuters in the Federal Capital Territory, the FCT Administration has begun the installation of Control Room project.

    Its Minister, Senator Bala Mohammed disclosed this after meeting with some senior officials of the FCT Transportation Secretariat.

    Senator Mohammed said the project, which is in line with the Transformation Agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan and the Transportation Master Plan of the FCT, is 65 per cent completed.

    The minister reiterated his administration’s commitment to ensuring that the right things are done to tackle head on traffic problems in the Federal Capital City.

    He revealed that the FCT Administration has upgraded 28 of the 74 traffic light installations of the old technology of incandescent light to Light Emitting Diode (LED) with solar back-up to drastically reduce traffic light problems associated with those powered by conventional electricity supply.

    According to a statement issued by the Assistant Director/Chief Press Secretary to the FCT Minister, Muhammad Sule, Senator Mohammed said the 20 additional intersections have been voted for traffic light installation before the end of the year; while 1,200 additional road traffic signs of various types and sizes have been installed.

    He further said more roads have been marked in the city and they include Tafawa Balewa Way; Lome Crescent Street; F.O.Williams Street; Babangida Aliyu Street; Nouchott Street; Kashim Ibrahim Way; Sabo Ago Way; Deji Omotade Street; Wada Aliyu Street as well as Ahmadu Bello Way.

    Senator Mohammed noted that due to biometric data capture of drivers earlier embarked upon by his administration, issues of identification, safety and security is better addressed nowadays.

    The minister expressed the commitment of his administration to provide sufficient number of high capacity buses for scheduled bus transit services in and around the 8,000 square kilometers of the Federal Capital Territory.

    He emphasised that, under its Operators’ Licence Scheme, his administration has so far granted licenses to seven companies namely AUMTCO, FABREM, AUTOSTAR, NURTW, RTEIN, SECDA, TUC; while PAT and PRINTFIELD are yet to be licensed.

    The companies under the Operators’ Licence Scheme deploy an average of 216 high capacity buses and 4,250 taxis on daily basis, Senator Mohammed said.

  • ‘Tourism can earn more revenue than oil’

    ‘Tourism can earn more revenue than oil’

    Amid dwindling economic fortunes of the Federal Government, experts in the hospitality industry, under the aegis of Association of Hotel Owners in Kwara State, have said the tourism sector has the potential of generating more money to government’s coffers than crude oil, if properly harnessed.

    Therefore, the association canvassed a synergy between the state and the federal governments in the development of tourist sites in various parts of the country.

    The chairman of Kwara State chapter of the association, Chief Michael Oyeyipo, disclosed this to reporters in Ilorin, the state capital, while briefing them on the activities lined up by the association to mark this year’s World Tourism Day.

    “If you go to Obudu Cattle Resort, you will be surprised at what you find there. International tourists come there as a matter of cause; sport enthusiasts from all over the world come there. I believe if the Federal Government allocates enough funds for the development of the sector, huge revenue will accrue to its coffers.

    “The federal and state governments can jointly establish such a place all over the country and develop them. Dubai in the United Arabs Emirate was developed within a short time and it has become such a tourist attraction all over the world. Such feat can be achieved in Nigeria,” he said.

    He also challenged the National Assembly to advise state governments to pay more attention to tourism development, adding that state governments should make tourism one of their policy thrusts.

    He further said tourism had contributed immensely to enhanced internally-generated revenue (IGR) of many state governments. He cited Cross River’s Obudu Cattle Ranch, Bauchi’s Yankari Games Reserve and its Warm Springs, Ekiti’s Ikogosi Warm Springs and Holiday Resort and Yobe’s Argungu Fishing Festival as some of the tourists’ sites that yield huge revenues for the respective states.

    The hotelier, who said tourist sites abound in Kwara State, which he said include Esie Stone Image Museum, Patigi Regatta, Awon Festival, Owu Waterfall and Owa Kajola Warm Spring. He added that genuine effort towards developing them would boost the revenue profile of the state.

    Chief Oyeyipo, who identified inadequate infrastructural facilities such as access roads, provision of potable water and inadequate electricity supply as some of the challenges the industry is experiencing in Kwara State, called on government to address them urgently to help business growth.

    “To worsen the already very difficult operating conditions faced by the hospitality industry, the rates and tax regime in the state have not been friendly. More often than not, multiplicity of taxes has almost crippled the industry,” he said.

    He maintained that operators in the industry remained undaunted in carrying out their businesses despite the challenges, adding that they are determined to meet the aspiration of government which regards them as the engine of growth for the state’s socio-economic development.

  • The ‘great’ man in Jonathan’s kitchen

    The Head of the Presidential Stewards in the State House, Abuja, Mr. Onuh Michael, was a shining star last Monday when he stepped out alongside 313 others to receive national honours from his boss, President Goodluck Jonathan.

    Onuh, who has put in over 30 years as a steward, has an unbroken record of serving nine presidents from Alhaji Shehu Shagari’s to Jonathan’s administrations.

    He has been attending to the domestic needs of the first family, which has given him opportunities to travel to so many countries, including the United States, Libya, Venezuela and Jerusalem.

    Not only was the 59-year-old steward, who lives in a rented apartment at Karu, Nasarawa State, given Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) Award at the 2014 National Honours Award at the International Conference Centre, Abuja, for meritoriously serving nine presidents, he was also among the three award recipients singled out for free housing in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    Before the award was given to him, he had earlier admitted that he had accommodation challenges, saying: “The regret I have is that for someone that has been working for his country for over 30 years, it is not good that I don’t have my own accommodation. I live at the outskirts of the city (in Karu, Nasarawa State) in a rented house.

    “My greatest challenge is coming all the way to work from a very far distance every day. Waking up by 3:00 a.m. to be at work and closing in the early hours of the morning only to be back again very early to work is a big challenge for me.” After receiving the award and listed among those to get free accommodation in the FCT, he expressed gratitude to President Jonathan for putting smiles on his face.

    He said: “The President is always full of surprises. He has done it again today.

    “I thank my God that I am witnessing this in my lifetime, that I am now a landlord in Abuja. I will ever be grateful to him.”

    Speaking on the Head of Presidential Steward at the 2014 National Honours Award, President Jonathan said: “A very dedicated steward who has survived every heads of state loyally since President Shehu Shagari. From Shagari till today, to have survived about nine presidents and nine first ladies, you must be a great man.”

  • Pray for Ebola-free country, minister urges pilgrims

    Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Oloye Olajumoke-Akinjide has appealed to intending pilgrims to Saudi Aradia to pray for Nigeria to overcome the nagging security threats and for it to clampdown on the deadly Ebola virus disease.

    Akinjide made the appeal while addressing the FCT’s intending pilgrims at the Permanent Hajj Camp, Abuja.

    She said the forthcoming 2015 general elections would be the strength of Nigeria’s democracy, adding that the country would overcome the odds through prayers.

    She said: “Like many other countries, Nigeria is passing through some challenges ranging from insecurity to Ebola epidemic. Similarly, the forthcoming general election is one that would, no doubt, test the strength of our democracy. Nonetheless, I firmly believe that with your prayers and the help of Almighty God, We shall overcome all these odds.

    “The FCT Administration had evolved effective orientation programme, medical screening, pre-and post-hajj logistics.”

    She urged intending pilgrims to reciprocate government’s efforts by being good ambassadors of Nigeria, adding that there was need for them to co-operate with the hajj officials to achieve success.

    “You should reflect Nigeria’s devotion to God by being disciplined, timely and dedicated to spiritual exercise. Let people who come in contact with you be able to see your good conduct and respect for our country, Akinjide said.

    Speaking earlier, the director, FCT Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Bashir Muhammed said the board had conducted series of activities in line with Saudi Arabia directives for all intending pilgrims.

    He said: “We had conducted all necessary medical screenings for everyone and FCT’s administration has secured befitting accommodation for its contingents in Makkah.

    “A one-day interactive session was held for officials with stern warnings to zero tolerance of indiscipline as anybody found wanting during the exercise shall have himself or herself to blame.”

  • Okene-Ajaokuta-Itobe Road: Haven for robbers

    Okene-Ajaokuta-Itobe Road: Haven for robbers

    The rate at which most federal roads across the country are deteriorating has become a source of concern. Nigerians have been calling on Federal Government to fix them, especially the Okene/Ajaokuta/Itobe Road that has become a haven for robbers. JAMES AZANIA reports

    Motorists and other users of the Okene/Ajaokuta/Itobe Roadm, in Kogi State, have been going through harrowing experiences of late. The road occupies a very important position as it links the North with the Eastern parts of the country.

    During its good days, travelling from Okene to any of the states in the East took less hours. The road was smooth, making the journey easy and comfortable.

    Unfortunately, the once-smooth road has become a nightmare. It cuts across three local government areas of Okene, Ajaokuta and Ofu.

    Travellers on the road are daily afraid of robbers because of the bad nature of the road which was constructed in the mid-1980s; and currently ranks among the worst federal road in Kogi State. The road has, in recent times, claimed several lives, including prominent personalities of the state and others who plied the road.

    The Kabba-Isanlu-Egbe-Ilorin Road is yet another terribly bad road in the state as well as the Kabba-Okene Road, which links Kogi and Kwara states. The road traverses Kabba-Bunu, Yagba West and Ijumu local government areas.

    Investigations by our correspondent revealed that fatal accidents occur on these roads almost daily, forcing several people to avoid it. Those who now ply the road are those without alternative routes to their destinations. Some of the critical accidents that have been recorded on the road within the last two months included the one involving the member representing Ajaokuta Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Sadiq Mohammed, which reportedly claimed the life of five persons. Mohammed survived the crash.

    On September 3, this year, the immediate past Commissioner for Education in Kogi State, Mrs. Grace Elebiyo, died in a motor accident on the Kabba-Okene Road, another federal road begging for government’s attention.

    Before her death, she was said to have been on the entourage of Governor Idris Wada’s “thank you” tour to Kabba. The member of the House of Representatives was also said to be returning from one of such “thank you tours” to Ajaokuta.

    Special Adviser to the Chairman of Ajaokuta Local Government Area Ibrahim Obansa said the deplorable condition of the roads is a source of concern to residents of the local government, pointing out that the horrible situation is having adverse effect on the economy of the local government.

    He said: “The road has become a very serious concern to us, as stakeholder and motorist who ply the road, because the road is in a very sorry state; there are potholes that are as deep as gullies.

    “Men of the underworld use the bad portions of the road as cover or hideout to rob, maim and sometimes even kill unsuspecting commuters. The chairman of the local government area and other groups, have written and visited the Federal Ministry of Works and Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA). The visits were aimed at imploring the Federal Government to come to our aid. The road is very critical and key to the Nigerian economy.

    “Remember that the road leads to Ajaokuta Steel Company and two integrated power plants (Geregu I and II). People coming from South-South, South West and the North Central states make use of the road. The deteriorating condition of the road has affected economic activities on the routes.

    “So, we are appealing to Mr. President to direct the relevant agencies to reconstruct the road as a matter of urgency. We want the road reconstructed because some parts have collapsed completely. It needs reconstruction, complete reconstruction.”

    A commercial driver, Samuel Unekwu who plies the road said it has simply become a nightmare, even as he urged government to come to their rescue by putting the road in good condition.

    He said: “As a result of the bad condition of the road, we have to take our vehicles to mechanic workshops all the time. You can’t see any good vehicle plying the road.

    “We have complained to the relevant authorities for several times. We have begged local government, even the Federal Government to alleviate the suffering of the people by fixing the road, but nothing has happened. Added to the problem of bad road is that robbers have taken over the whole route. It is not their fault; they operate anytime they like; nobody is safe. What have we done to them? Government has completely abandoned us and we are now helpless.”

    The Head of the Kogi Office of the Federal Road Maintenance Agency, Mr. Kayode Emmanuel could not be reached for comment on why the agency has failed to rehabilitate the road and other federal roads across the state.

    However, a credible source within the agency in Lokoja told our correspondent that the Okene-Ajaokuta-Itobe Road may not receive government’s attention in a long time to come. The source, who spoke in confidence because he was not permitted to speak on the matter, said the agency simply don’t have the amount of money required to repair the road and other roads in the state.

    “Do you know when FERMA was created? Do you know when that road was built? Did you know that that road has become a death trap before the formation of FERMA? FERMA’s mandate is to maintain federal roads. We work in synergy with the Federal Ministry of Works. The ministry’s responsibility is to rehabilitate federal roads and hand it over to FERMA.

    “FERMA is aware of the bad condition of that road. The agency could have repaired it long ago, but it doesn’t have the amount of money required to fix the over-112 kilometer road which stands at about N3 billion. If you know the mandate of FERMA, you will realise that the road is beyond the agency’s mandate. It is within the purview of the Federal Ministry of Works to undertake reconstruction work on the road.

    “It requires reconstruction not rehabilitation, because the road has collapsed totally, and that one falls under the jurisdiction of the Federal Ministry of Works.”

    Coming from the Ganaja axis, sharp curves dot the road, even as fallen containers and overturned trucks have become a daily sight along the road. Sections around Adogo, headquarters of Ajaokuta Local Government Area have completely collapsed.

    The President-General, Igbo Community in Kogi Central, Chief Joseph Anakwe regretted that the dilapidated state of the road is hampering business activities in the area.

    He said: “From the Okene/Auchi Junction, through the steel town of Ajaokuta, to Itobe in Ofu Local Government Area, the road is in a state of total disrepair, a situation that has made travellers victims of armed robbery attacks.”

    A resident of Adogo, Adiukwu said: “Hardly does 48 hours go by without a robbery incident reported. Bandits operate freely without fear of being apprehended. We are begging the Federal Government to come to our rescue”.

  • How Vandals sabotage Nigeria’s economy, by IPMAN

    How Vandals sabotage Nigeria’s economy, by IPMAN

    The Independent Petroleum Marketers of Nigeria (IPMAN) has blamed non-availability of petroleum products at the Ilorin Depot in the last eight months on the activities of petroleum pipelines vandals, even as it said the country loses millions of Naira daily to the activities of vandals.

    The Chairman, Western Zone of IPMAN, Ogbonewo Adekoya said this in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, shortly after the inauguration of members of his executive.

    Other members of the executive inaugurated included Mrs. Yemi Adeaga (Vice-Chairman), Otunba Odeyemi (Secretary) and Mr. Ogunbola Ayodeji (Assistant Secretary), among others.

    Adekoya also berated the deplorable state of most of the roads leading to Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC)’s depots across the country.

    “Many of the roads leading to our depots are an eyesore and those are the places where the money is coming from. How much will it cost to make the roads linking these depots motorable? It is disgusting honestly.

    “Government has a lot to do to help our operations and the oil industry at large. Government needs to put in place adequate security measures to monitor the pipelines as vandals have taken over our rights of way.

    “In Ilorin Depot, the last time we had fuel supply was February this year, no thanks to the activities of vandals. It is worrisome. We are ready to collaborate with the Federal Government to find a lasting solution to the menace.

    “Pipelines vandalism has wreaked a lot of havoc to Nigerian economy and to even IPMAN members. I just said in the last eight months we have not loaded in Ilorin depot. It costs N180, 000 for a trailer to haul fuel from Lagos to Ilorin here. It is more viable and profitable for us to pick our products at the depot here and put it in our nearest stations than go to 300 kilometres. In essence, vandalism is causing us hardship. Government is losing millions of Naira from oil spill as a result of the activities of vandals,” he said.

    The IPMAN boss extended hands of fellowship to all IPMAN members so as to move the association forward.

    He said: “We need to wake up to our responsibilities in the Independent Petroleum Marketers of Nigeria (IPMAN) and move the association forward. A situation where some few people turn themselves into a cabal and corner what belongs to thousands of people is unacceptable. This can cause a lot of chaos and we don’t want that, as we are businessmen.

    “Members of my executive will carry everybody along. We are not in enmity with anybody. We want to make IPMAN one. We should be one. I believe in reconciliation, that is my aspiration.”

  • Ndigbo and the festivity of their day

    Ndigbo and the festivity of their day

    The Old Parade Ground in the Central Business District of the Federal Capital Territory was a beehive of activities on Monday, September 29, this year when Nigerians of Igbo extraction gathered to celebrate the World Igbo Day.

    It was a day set aside by the umbrella body of the Igbo race, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo, to celebrate the rich culture of the Igbo across the world.

    From hundred of metres to the venue, visitors could hear the sound of Igbo music; well dressed men and women danced to the melodious rhythm of the music. Interestingly, even though the atmosphere was a festive one, organisers of the event were, no doubt, conscious of the security challenges in the country.

    Right from the entrance of the venue, the security was tight as visitors were subjected to serious security scrutiny. The fact that the venue shares boundary with the Defence headquarters, may have contributed to the tight nature of the security put in place by the organisers.

    Dressed in their traditional Igbo attire, with flowing beads and traditional caps, among others, both young and old added colour to the event as the different Igbo traditional dresses beautified the place, conveying a typical Ndigbo style of celebration.

    Typical of an Igbo celebration, visitors were ushered into the venue with fanfare as guests were entertained by masqueraders and other traditional dances. Those who were witnessing the day for the first time may think they were watching a film that should not end. There were assorted foods and drinks for everyone’s satisfaction.

    Even though they came from the FCT with their leaders for the celebration, it was not all merriment as they found time to express their thought about various issues which include the need to promote the Igbo language at home, the need for Igbo businessmen to invest more at home rather than states outside Igbo land, the need for equal representation in governance non-imposition of candidates on the people during the 2015 general elections.

    President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Abuja, Chief Emeka Mbagha was excited about the success of the event, especially the large turnout of Igbo resident in the FCT, even though it was a working day.

    He told our correspondent that he had passionately appealed to all Igbo residents in the territory to suspend everything they were doing in order to attend the event. He was excited that the people listened to his appeal, suspending their trading and other businesses to participate actively at the event.

    Mbagha was, however, concerned about the security situation in the country. He said the problem of insecurity in the country has greatly affected his people, even though it was not restricted to the Igbo alone. He expressed optimism that the situation would be resolved through collective effort.

    The Igbo leader in Nyanya, Chief Ifeanyi Nwoye, said the importance of the celebration to them was enormous because it was a showcase for the rich cultural heritage of the Igbo, their character and their identity.

    He said: “What the Igbo are celebrating today is pure culture, custom, what to do, what to eat and what to avoid. Everything being celebrated here is totally Igbo. As men who have versed knowledge about tradition, we want to tell the world that everything we do, we do it for the Igbo.

    “Ohanaeze is the backbone of the Igbo. Anything that happens to an Igbo man here in FCT, he runs to the Ohanaeze. So, our purpose and aim is to protect the interest of every Igbo person in the FCT.”

    Also speaking, Chief Cosmas Okolo said, aside from being a day set aside by the Igbo to celebrate themselves, it was a day to celebrate the new yam festival. For Mazi Paul Nwachukwu, the celebration is a special day to the Igbo race.

    “It is meant to remember their beginning and the events that have evolved in Igbo nation until today. It will enable us to assess and re-assess all that had happened to the Igbo in the time past,” he said.

    The founder, Movement for the Restoration of Igbo People Dignity and Unity, Archbishop Chy Oriaku described the occasion as an opportunity to encourage Igbo parents to always interact with their children at home in Igbo language.

    She said plans have commenced to come up with measures to inculcate Igbo language in school curriculum.

    “If it is enforced, teaching and learning the Igbo language will be made easy. More so, in occasions like this, we won’t need to speak the English language but our Igbo language,” she said.

    Prince Bashiru Osondu Emetumah said the event aimed at preaching peaceful co-existence and progress of the Igbo Kingdom. Emetumah attributed the survival of the Igbo race to God, even as he implored Ndigbo to be at peace with other religions and ethnic groups across the country.

    President, Solid Women Initiative for Development, Chief (Mrs.) Queen Ezike urged Ndigbo resident in Abuja to always remember to invest at home.

    She said: “Whatever we make here, don’t invest all here in Abuja. Go back to Igbo land and invest your money. That is why Chairman of Chisco Transport Company has relocated most of his establishments to Igbo land, especially in Anambra State.”

    Chief Daniel Atuonwu restated the importance of the festivity and urged every Ndigbo to be united in order to forge a common front.

    “We review our activities and see what we have done well. Where we failed to do well, we improve on it. Normally, it is one thing that will bring us together. There is nothing that will bring us together here in Abuja except this celebration,” he said.

    Another resident, Chief John Okpor said there was the need for Ndigbo to come together and assess the progress and achievements recorded by the Igbo people within the previous year, adding that “we are doing these things in remembrance of Igbo Day. Every Igbo community will come out and display what they have to offer.”

  • Asking Jonathan to his feet

    It is a rare occasion for a lady to ask the Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces, President Goodluck Jonathan, who was already seated at a public gathering, to not only rise to his feet but remain standing for about five minutes.

    But, it actually happened at the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Tuesday last week when the Most Rev. Nicholas Okoh led a delegation of the Anglican Communion to the State House.

    The delegation was at the Villa to confer the “Primatial Award of Excellence in Christian Stewardship” on the President.

    The way the President was asked to stand up for about five minutes before a medallion was hung on his neck and the award plaque and a copy of Holy Bible were handed to him took some top officials and journalists in the hall by surprise.

    The lady, Augusta Maduegbuna, who came with the delegation and read part of the procedure for the conferment of the award on behalf of the Primate, did not only ask the President to stand up but also asked him to remain standing.

    But she did it with the authority and on behalf of Most Revd Nicholas Okoh.

    She said: “And the authority of the Primate of all Nigeria is this, the Most Rev. Nicholas Okoh, I now invite his Excellency, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan to please rise and remain standing.”

    Many in the hall felt it would have been appropriate for the President to have been allowed to sit while the lady read through the conferment programme and the President should only stand up for the conferment proper.

    They expected the President to feel offended and to remain on his seat.

    But the President was not ruffled as everything has to do with the church that has touched his life right from his primary school days to date.

    So, as a gentleman, he obeyed the feminine voice and stood up for about five minutes as the lady, assisted by another church official, read out from the award conferment programme.

    After the conferment, Jonathan said: “I sincerely thank the Anglican Church for finding me worthy to be so recognised. I’m most grateful for this honour. I grew up as a member of the Anglican Church. At that time, it was only Anglican Church that was in my tiny village. But now, I don’t know the numbers of churches that are there, almost all the classrooms are churches.

    “I have been part of the church from the beginning; I attended Anglican primary school as a pupil. So, I have to be very grateful to the Anglican Church that brought me up. I am what I am today because of the Anglican Church.

    “I therefore thank you our Bishop, fathers and to use this unique opportunity to thank Christians and all the religious bodies that constantly pray for this country.”