The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Yoruba

  • My Presidency quest Nigerian, not Igbo, says Moghalu

    Prof. Kingsley Moghalu, the Presidential Candidate of the Young Progressives Party (YPP) on Friday said that he was contesting for the office of the President as a Nigerian and not as an Igbo man.

    Moghalu, who was a former deputy governor of the CBN, said that Nigeria’s problem was not about tribes, but socio-economic problems that touched every part of the country.

    The candidate, in a statement he made available to the News Agency of Nigeria  in Lagos, said that any creative limiting his presidential ambition to any tribe was the handwork of mischief makers.

    “Almost a year since I started to engage Nigerians on my candidacy and vision for the country; I have held town hall meetings in nearly all the states in the country, with more still to be done.

    “Anyone who has listened or paid attention to our interactive session with various groups will realise what our single message has always been that Nigeria’s problems are not about tribes.

    Read Also: Buhari: Accounts must be given for all financial transactions

    “We all, as Nigerians, have the power to choose something new, something different that will redirect the country into an upward trend.

    “Our politics has always been plagued by the scourges of tribalism, nepotism, and corruption, a colonial tool that the political class has exploited in order to divide and control us,” Moghalu said.

    According to him, Nigerians cannot afford to keep thinking about whether a candidate is Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, Efik, Ijaw or Ibibio.

    He said that Nigeria needed competent and trustworthy leaders which had been the focus of his talks about his aspiration.

    “It is time to put aside these differences and aim for something that unites us all, to deliver a country that works for every citizen,” he added.

  • Lalong: Plateau consensus choice for peace

    When the pressure persisted, Governor Simon Bako Lalong succumbed.  He said on his declaration, “I am yielding to pressure to declare to re-contest Governorship election in Plateau State.  I know several groups have endorsed me, some have printed posters as a sign of their support…”
    One most interesting of the several definitions of Politics is that which defines politics as a process whereby groups of people make collective decisions.  This description is clearly manifested on the Plateau in the build up to the much anticipated 2019 Governorship election in the State.
    Plateau Elders and Stakeholders, Party leaders, Youths/Women groups and indeed plateau citizens as a whole had persistently pressurized the incumbent Governor, Simon Bako Lalong into submission to re-contest the forthcoming Governorship election for another term in office.  The voice of the people is the voice of God.  The people attested to lalong’s developmental strides, and are convinced that his credible leadership has delivered democratic dividends to the people.
    The APC Party Chairman in the State, Mr. Laptep Dabang, in Jos today on Redeem 93.7 FM radio station anchored by Samson Omale reiterated the collective decision of Party stakeholders at a recent forum at Yelwa Club in Bukuru, the endorsement of the hard working Governor Simon Lalong to re-contest the 2019 Governorship election as a consensus candidate.
    The plethora of calls that flooded the station during the programme shows plateau citizens are seemingly in tandem with the collective decision of the Party and affirmed their support for another mandate for Governor Lalong to complement, coordinate and complete what they referred to as the “Plateau Progress Agenda” which he initiated.
    For Governor Lalong, his vision for governance is to make the less privileged; to make the people that elected him to be happy.  The amiable Governor is aware that Plateau people expected true governance and quality representation.  These expectations became the driving force.
    It fortified his unflinching resolve to lead in honesty and truth, and to provide basic things of life such as roads, hospitals, education and develop the human capital.  Most important of all is to bequeath a legacy of politically united, socially integrated, peaceful and potentially prosperous people on the plateau. These are embedded in his carefully articulated 5-point agenda which he committed to implement for the common good.
    In 2015, Gov. Lalong came to the office well prepared.  He brought to bear his intellectual ability, mental capacity, patriotic zeal and above all, the political will of implementing the far-reaching 5-point agenda.  He is convinced, and rightly so too, that these policies will in the long run ensure unity and equitability as expected by the plural nature of the state for the continual sustenance of peaceful coexistence amongst the people.
    Engaging a monumental shift from the past, Lalong adopted an open-door policy.  He gave a listening ear to all shades of opinion and interest irrespective of ethnic, political or religious affiliation.  Furthermore, Lalong carries the management team along in decision making as it affect policy implementation or monetary decision to enhance accountability.
    Sustainable peace has been the fulcrum of Lalong’s government.  Peace is the only panacea for peaceful coexistence; and peaceful coexistence is sine qua non for sustainable development in any state.  Gov. Lalong believes that a society where religion bigotry and ethnicity are the order of the day cannot witness socio-economic progress and prosperity.  He upholds unity as an indispensible ingredient for sustainable development.
    Gov. Lalong began with a genuine effort towards a proactive, enduring and sustainable peace in the state.  He created the model Plateau Peace Building Agency and developed a Roadmap to sustainable peace in the State.  It was a deliberate choice aimed at enthroning peaceful coexistence.
     And in spite of some unfortunate incidence of insecurity in some areas which are believed to be politically instigated, the people still acknowledged and appreciated that the Governor institutionalized peace building and reconciliation through the establishment of the Peace Building Agency.  They praised him for sustained security in the state where many innocent lives had perished before his assumption in office.
    Gov. Lalong’s style of administration is very unique and legendary.  His astute leadership in striving for financial transparency, accountability and inclusive governance is admirable.  Lalong adopted prudent management of available resources and despite the dwindling inflows that accrue to the state, he ensured funds are judiciously channeled towards priority projects that have direct bearing on the people.
    Plateau is within the bracket of States with low federal government allocation but Lalong’s prudent financial management capacity became a mitigant. He maintained regular payment of salaries and pension and cleared all outstanding arrears of workers and pensioners in the state.  Civil servant nick-named him the “alert” Governor because of the prompt and consistent payment alerts they received on their phones.
    Gov. Lalong’s achievements are numerous and are scattered across all key sectors of the state’s economy.  He deviated from what hitherto seems to be the established norms in Nigerian politics, to completing ongoing projects bequeathed to him by his predecessor.  Many road infrastructures in this category were already commissioned, including the State Secretariat flyover bridge, and the Mararaba Jema – Secretariat junction road, and several others across the state.
    Reports indicated also that Gov. Lalong has lived up to his campaign promises and has performed even far beyond the expectations of many who did not give him a chance because of the seeming insurmountable challenges.

    Read also: Lalong regrets fresh attacks in Plateau

    Take the education sector where he accorded topmost priority.  He funded and resuscitated the hitherto abandoned Plateau State University and brought it back to life with state-of-art e-library, science laboratory, road networks, students’ hostel accommodations etc.  Many courses were accredited and several lecturers sponsored abroad for doctorate degrees.  Same apply to state owned primary and secondary schools where massive infrastructures are being put in place.
    On Human Capital Development, the Governor initiated several reforms in the civil service and settled promotion arrears and salaries accruing to staff to boost Morales.  The Tourist sector is also being revamped and revitalized under Public Private Partnership with some foreign interests.  Agriculture, Health, Commerce and Industry need not be over emphasized as evidence of growth in these sectors is glaring for all to see.
    Governor Lalong’s antecedents and performances litters all over the state. His sincere and effective leadership in financial prudency, transparency, accountability and inclusive governance has earned him a lot of accolades, numerous awards and recognition by local and international bodies and organizations.  His managerial skills were attributed to his wealth of experience garnered over the years.
    Gov. Lalong’s all inclusive governance style is a trait that has gone a long way in strengthening mutual relationship among the diverse ethnic groups in the state and endeared him to the people.  Today in the state, the entire citizenry including the Berom, Anaguta, Goemai, Angas, Yoruba, Hausa, Idoma, Igbo, etc, are full of praises to Lalong for his exemplary leadership qualities which have further bridged the gap of unity in the hitherto troubled state.
    That explained why many groups in the State are insisting that Lalong second term bid is vital.  Women and youth groups across the 17 LGAs had matched in solidarity to the Governor to assure him of their unalloyed support for continuity.
    For the “VOLA” 2019 Groups, there is no alternative to Gov. Simon Bako Lalong come 2019.  Gathered in Kanam LGA recently, they said, “We know that our Governor has integrity, he has wisdom and above all, he can be trusted with our collective destiny.  He is a man of peace who has suddenly become a rallying point for the suppressed and oppressed.  We say, TO VOTE LALONG AGAIN IN 2019 IS A TASK THAT MUST BE DONE”
    Ikese is a Columnist and Political Analyst.

  • Buratai, 49 senior officers take language test

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen Tukur Buratai and 49 senior officers on Wednesday at the Army Headquarters, Abuja took a language proficiency test in Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba languages.

    Brig.-Gen Texas Chukwu, the army spokesman, said the test was part of the army’s effort to ensure that all personnel are proficient in the use of the three major Nigerian languages.

    Chukwu said the test came after eight months of intensive lecture organised by the army headquarters for the senior officers.

    He said the belief in the army was that understanding those languages would aid troops during internal security operations across the country.

    “This will also enhance mutual cooperation between the army and the general public.” Chukwu said the senior officers that participated in the test included Principal Staff Officers of the Army Headquarters, Corps Commanders, Directors, among others.

    He quoted Buratai as commending the officers for their conduct throughout the period of the test.

    The army chief said the result of the test will be announced soon and urged them to prepare for another exam next week.

    Buratai upon assumption of office in 2015, enjoined all personnel to learn the three major Nigerian languages as part of a deliberate effort to improve communication skill among troops.

  • Buratai, 49 senior officers take language test in Igbo, Hausa, Yoruba

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen Tukur Buratai and 49 senior officers on Wednesday at the Army Headquarters, Abuja took a language proficiency test in Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba languages.

    Brig.-Gen Texas Chukwu, the army spokesman, said the test was part of the army’s effort to ensure that all personnel are proficient in the use of the three major Nigerian languages.

    He said the test came after eight months of intensive lecture organised by the army headquarters for the senior officers.

    He said the belief in the army was that understanding those languages would aid troops during internal security operations across the country.

    “This will also enhance mutual cooperation between the army and the general public.”

    Chukwu said the senior officers that participated in the test included Principal Staff Officers of the Army Headquarters, Corps Commanders, Directors, among others.

    He quoted Gen. Buratai as commending the officers for their conduct throughout the period of the test.

  • APGA chieftain urges Igbo, Yoruba to unite for Nigeria’s liberation

    A former secretary of the All Progressives Grand Alliance ( APGA ) Mr Okoli Akirika has called for unity among the Igbo and Yoruba to liberate Nigeria from its present predicament.

    He described the two tribes as progressives with the capacity of building an ideal marriage capable of liberating the country from what he called political captivity and bondage.

    Speaking to newsmen in Awka, on Sunday, Akirika asked both tribes to bury what he called the ancient grudges that existed between the late Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe and Chief Obafemi Awolowo and form the desired synergy to save the country from doldrums.

    He said, “In the Nigerian political system, the Igbo and Yoruba are progressives. Igbo and Yoruba think alike because of their level of education.

    ” The bane of their unity has always been the political rivalries between the late Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe and Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

    He also urged the two tribes not to allow themselves to be deceived that an alliance between them would not work, saying “the first and only time a Nigerian leader intentionally paid the supreme prize was when a Yoruba man ( Fajuyi) died for an Igbo, Aguyi Ironsi.

    ” Fajuyi was a collateral damage. He refused that his boss, friend and brother, Aguyi Ironsi should be killed in his domain; so he staked his life and he was killed for no sin of his.

    “So what other proof do we need to affirm that the two tribes have consanguinity and affinity.

    ” If a Yoruba man at that point in time could pay that prize with his own blood, I don’t see why the present day southeast and southwest cannot face a common political destiny in making sure a good government is elected.

    Akirika added,” Rising beyond what happened between Zik and Awo, we should not allow ourselves to become captives in our own land”.
    On the recent comment by President Muhammadu Buhari to assist the Igbo to become president of Nigeria at the appropriate time, Akirika described it as an “infantile deceit”.

    He said the Igbo should not give such comment any atom of consideration.

    He said, “We need to elect an alternative president that will see Nigeria as his primary constituency; a president who will arise above clannish thinking; who will rise against the current order of predicating appointments on acquittance , religion and tribe.“

  • Nigeria’s sociology of suffering

    In the cultural attempt of the Yoruba to create a metaphor around suffering, they compared suffering to a watery soup. However they maintained a disclaimer and insist that ìyà ò kín se omi obè.

    Given the oyinbo man’s knack for packaging and branding, what the Yoruba call omi obè is what they refer  to as stew or soup, but the inadequacy of the oyinbo man’s language in the African colloquial context makes stew or watery soup an inadequate equivalent to completely capture the concept of omi obè in all of its wholeness .

    Omi obè in the Yoruba worldview comes with a snagging stereotype, given that it is not your everyday kind of soup but more often than not what you settle for when you become cash strapped or indifferent about other kinds of soup.

    Despite all these, the Yoruba insist that ìyà okin se omi obè. The reasoning behind the Yoruba insistence on suffering not to take the consumptive dimension of stew or watery soup is simple : Humans do not have the capacity to absorb the pangs of consistent suffering in the dimensions with which humans eat consistently.

    Despite these varying warnings  Nigeria, a larger sphere from which the Yoruba culture evolved insist that ìyà is not only omi obè but rather a summation of all other consumptive metaphors of a more regular intake e.g water.

    The Nigerian space ensures that not only do you consume suffering like omi obè, but you also thank God for your own is only omi obè for there are dimensions of sufferings that are way superior to the omi obè concept in depth and breadth.

    The sociology of suffering in Nigeria is difficult to understand and because of this complexity, the government often takes the larger part of the blame for the sufferings of the Nigerian citizens, however I opined recently, that even if the government decides to lead us well and erase all forms of institutionalized sufferings will suffering abate? The answer is far from a positive one given years of deepened sociology of suffering and deprivation.

    Take for instance the practice of boarding yellow buses in Lagos, you often notice there is an extra seat imbued into the make of all the buses to make room for more passengers that extra seat makes sitting and commuting a daunting process. Every time I noticed this anomaly I ask “what kind of human beings on earth, find it difficult to make a vehicle but knows how to edit one?”

    Have you also considered the practice of conductors hanging on to the bus just because the driver is not willing to spare a seat?

    Every waking day I see a bevy of shops rented to traders, and in front or behind them, you see cubicles built with metal roofing sheets. It was recently that I discovered the cubicles are rest rooms to allow pressed traders pee. I wondered and asked what kind of people build shops without putting the human anatomy into consideration? Is it that the owners of the shops are unaware that traders and customers go to toilet? The only possible answer I could give is that of the sociology of suffering which has taken a deep toll on us.

    Suffering in the Nigerian space is so deep that even when imported technologies which have been tried and tested in other climes gets into Nigeria, it quickly take on the capacity to induce suffering on the Nigerian citizens. An instance is the automated teller machine which was designed to ease financial intermediation, but here the teller machine rarely ease financial intermediation but  rather complicate it. Banks with four to five automated teller machines would only have cash in one and by such height of sub-optimal capacity, you find an endless queue.

    This sociology of suffering is so deep in us that we sometimes detest and disregard any enterprise that does not come with suffering, because suffering has become a part of our national psyche.

    Of all the instances given above non has to do with the government and I wager that even the best leadership might not change it until we deliberately work on our national psyche that insists and justifies the consumption of suffering as a soup.

    • By Kehinde Oluwatosin

    Kehindeobabatunde@gmail.com

  • 2019: Obasanjo deceiving Nigerians again — Yoruba Ronu

    Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has come under attack from the Yoruba Ronu Leadership Forum over his campaign against President Muhammadu Buhari ahead of the 2019 general elections.

    In a strongly worded statement signed by its General Secretary, Akin Malaolu, on Friday night, the group said Obasanjo was trying to deceive Nigerians again with “rhetorical and platitudinous speeches”.

    The statement came barely 24 hours after Obasanjo endorsed the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as the political platform to be deployed to unseat Buhari in 2019.

    Addressing a news conference in Abeokuta on Thursday, Obasanjo said his Coalition for Nigeria Movement (CNM) had adopted the ADC as its political party.

    The former leader explained that the adoption followed a “detailed examination and wide consultations by the leadership of the Movement with the consideration of the orientation and policies of the movement”.

    On Jan. 23, Obasanjo wrote Buhari criticising him over a number of national issues, including the killings of innocent Nigerians, and advised him against seeking re-election.

    The former president upped the ante in a statement by his spokesman, Kehinde Adeyemi, in March describing Buhari as a failure.

    Yoruba Ronu, a staunch supporter of the current president, said it was not surprised by Obasanjo’s several statements to hoodwink Nigerians.

    The socio-political group said it rather found it surprising that the ex-president and his “fellow travellers took Nigerians for fools”.

    It said, “However, Nigerians do sincerely and mournfully remembered what the conditions of things were in relation to unemployment, corruption and general decadence of our many institutions of governance in the 16 years of PDP in power.

    “It was not without doubt that the Yoruba Ronu leadership forum warned Nigerians against trusting the candidate Jonathan in 2010 due to his several weaknesses and obtuseness in power.

    “More so, when Jonathan himself  confirmed to our foreign friend, former United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Robin Sanders, that he lacked administrative experience to be president, but was there by chance because of where he came from which was South South.

    “Today, we can measure with clarity of mind, the sad and obtuse footprints he left behind.

    “Leaders across the two divides, and including Obasanjo, Ohaneze and Afenifere, all saw Jonathan’s incapacitation in administration but they chose self-regarding objectives rather than other regarding objectives in their very many decisions.”

    Obasanjo is generally believed to have influenced Jonathan’s emergence as Vice to late President Umaru Yar’Adua in the 2007 general elections.

    In the 2011 presidential elections, Obasanjo also played a big role in the election of Jonathan as President after he took over the saddle following Yar’Adua’s death in 2010.

    Yoruba Ronu continued, “Democracies which distinguished a man from his office was snubbed for religion and tribalism to hold sway.

    “They planted the seed of division long before now and they are still repeating same perplexing errors in their ignorance.

    “The people of Nigeria today wear better spectacles and with good perceptions to know what is good for them and for their children’s future.

    “They are not going to allow some false leaders and leaders that could commit abomination with ease take away their hopes in the present government of President Muhammadu Buhari.

    “We must warn against war, because wars have never solved the needs for war anywhere in the world and in wars, procreation is delayed, women and their children would suffer.”

    “Nigerians must pray fervently against these ignoble men and their desire to enslave us all, we must pray for the extermination of what they all stands for.

    “The progressives and APC must prepare themselves in this war of attrition between thesis and antithesis, a political war that will be won by them due to fairness, justice and happiness, which they have promoted  in this present administration of President Buhari.

    “Those who may want to go can go in peace, but the generality of Nigerians and the Yoruba race are with Buhari and the APC.

    “We awesomely believe in the intervention and righteousness of the present Government in administration.” (NAN)

  • Why Yoruba rejected me in 1999, by Obasanjo

    Former President Olusegun Obasanjo yesterday said his failure to secure the endorsement of the late Afenifere leader, Senator Abraham Adesanya, cost him Yoruba votes in the 1999 election.

    Obasanjo said thrice he tried and thrice he failed to get the Southwest approval through Adesanya.

    The National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) and Alliance for Democracy (AD) chieftain, Obasanjo said, was forthright in turning him down.

    The former military ruler, who beat Chief Olu Falae of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) in that election, spoke in Lagos at the 10th memorial anniversary lecture in Adesanya’s honour.

    Obasanjo said: “I did not know Pa Adesanya in my early days or in his early days in politics. I came to know him when I was going into politics myself. So, of course, of necessity, the paths of politicians do cross.

    “I persuaded myself, as I was persuaded, to vie for the post of president. And I decided to consult leaders all over the country, and one of the leaders I had to meet was Pa Abraham Adesanya.

    I remember I got his home address and phoned him. I think the first day I called on him, that would be about 10pm. But he was waiting for me and he received me very, very warmly. That was also the first occassion where I met his daughter, Mrs. Modupe Adelaja, who went on to become one of my ministers.

    “When I met Pa Adesanya, he did not mince words at all and went straight to ask why I came as I am not with the ‘Afenifere and NADECO’ group.

    “I told him, ‘I don’t know who is the ‘us’ you are talking about. But, you’re a politician and I am going into politics, and as a well-born and bred Yoruba boy, I have to pay homage to you, I have to consult you.’

    “Pa Adesanya said, ‘Hmm… but, I will not support you.’

    “I said, ‘well, alright, but all the same, it must be my duty and responsibility to inform you, to let you know that I have been persuaded and I’m going into this. So, we parted.”

    “As I went on in the consultation, I met him a second time and the same thing happened. I told him I came to give him progress report and he said again, ‘we will not support you’ and I said alright.

    “Again, he asked me why I was not in their group and I told him their group was alright but it was limited, and I believe that we should not be limited. He told me again that they will not support me.

    “I visited him a third time; this was just before the election. I told him I came to give him update and the third time Baba said ‘we will not support you’.

    Adesanya, according to Obasanjo, was “consistent and to the point”.

    “And of course, as the results of the election turned out, I was not supported by the Yoruba in the Southwest for the 1999 election,” Obasanjo said.

    He praised Adesanya as a man of integrity who did not seek political favours for himself, family or allies.

    Obasanjo said he appointed Mrs Adelaja a minister without her father’s knowledge.

    Obasanjo said he did not regret appointing the late Chief Bola Ige and Mrs. Adelaja, who were AD members, ministers during his administration.

    “But then, Pa Adesanya did not know how his daughter, Dupe, became a minister in my government because I did not consult him. On two occasions when I visited Baba, Dupe was the one who served drinks and refreshments.

    “When after the election I decided that I was going to bring people from parties other than PDP, I decided to take Bola Ige and Dupe Adelaja to represent AD in my government and Baba never talked to me about it and I never talked to him about it.

    “Dupe played her role — a dutiful and diligent minister — and I have no regret for taking Dupe and Bola Ige as ministers in the administration that set up the present democratic dispensation,” he said.

    Obasanjo hailed the family and friends of the late Adesanya for organising the event. He described him as a man who deserved to be honoured.

    “My prayer is that the legacy of Pa Adesanya will continue to influence the way things move in this country. People like them are not many; we need to create more of Adesanyas,” he said.

    Everyone watched when on arrival at the symposium’s venue at the Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos, Obasanjo was ushered to the front row to sit in between the event’s chairman, former Head of State Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

    There is no love lost between Obasanjo and Atiku, who were elected on PDP platform, but fell out with each other while in office.

    They exchanged pleasantries before Obasanjo took his seat. The former president left shortly after his speech.

     

  • Osun to establish Yoruba world heritage centre

    Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola has said his administration will establish a Yoruba World Heritage Centre to be called New Ife to revamp African culture, tradition and customs.

    He said creation of the centre was part of his administration’s efforts to support a Yoruba agenda, repositioning and placing it as well as Africa’s in their rightful position.

    Aregbesola spoke yesterday in Osogbo, the capital, while hosting members of Blackmyths Group, who double as members of Theatre Arts and Motion Picture Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN).

    They were led by the Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT), Alhaji Adebayo Salami.

    The governor said his administration was poised to bring to the limelight the new Ife in order to present to the world the socio-cultural values of the Yoruba.

    He added that the centre will reproduce ancient Yoruba land and how the people lived about 500 years ago, as well as how the present generation is living and how the incoming generations will live in the next 500 years.

    Aregbesola said the centre would serve as a socio-cultural and ethnic institution and heritage where the rich Yoruba culture, particularly their virtues, codified as Omoluabi ethos, will be promoted.

  • ‘Yoruba will improve academic performance’

    National Anthem was rendered in Yoruba at the  Commonwealth Day celebration organised by the Lagos State government among the six education districts on Monday.

    The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Mrs Adebunmi Adekanye, expressed joy with the pupils’ performance. She said the Yoruba language preservation and promotion law would improve academic performance in the state.

    Mrs Adekanye, represented by Mrs Olufunmilayo Onadipe, Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary (TG/PS) District VI at the event held at Oregun Senior High School, added that Wednesdays had been designated Yoruba Language day in schools to further promote the law.

    “All school activities on every Wednesday will now be conducted in Yoruba Language.  This will in no small measure help your comprehension and assimilation of lessons and invariably improve the overall academic performance of the education sector. There is no gainsaying that all the developed nations of the world were those  that taught their children in their mother tongue,” she said.

    On the Commonwealth Day, Mrs Adekanye said the celebration would expose the pupils to the Commonwealth values of peace, democracy and equality.

    “This will go a long way to building bridges of mutual understanding. The pursuit and promotion of self or group interest above common interest is antithetical to building a common future,” she said.

    The competition featured various cultural, dance, pantomime and song performances by schools from the districts in line with the theme: “Towards a common future.”

    Co-Curricular Services Director, Mrs Marrion Babs-Akinyeye, said the programme was an avenue for the pupils to showcase their talents.

    At the end of the highly competitive contest, District IV lifted the trophy with its Atilogwu dance. District I came second with its choral presentation, while District V’s colourful fashion parade of cultural attires of many Commonwealth countries won it the third place.