THE ancient Kingdom of Issele-Uku in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State, is currently revelling in the excitement of the coronation of its king, Obi Nduka Ezeagwuna 11. It was indeed an atmosphere of celebration as Obi Ezeagwuna ascended the throne of his forefathers on December 21, 2016, calling for peace, unity, and recreation of Issele Uku in line with its cultural values. His ascension was part of the series of installation rites that commenced more than one year ago. The 24-year-old engineer started the journey to the throne by first understudying the Oba of Benin for a week. On his return, he was, as tradition demanded, sent to clear a portion of grass, sweep the palace grounds and cut palm kernel by the Okpalas and the Diokpas. All these he performed creditably to the amusement of those present, as he will never again be called upon to perform the acts. A few days after grooming the palace, Crown Prince Nduka underwent Ichi Okpala, which not only made him a red cap chief, but the head of the Okpalas, as well as a real man, as a cross section of titled men explained to Vanguard. Opportunity to misbehave *Deputy Governor Delta State, representing the Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, handing over the Staff of Office to Obi Ezeagwuna II, at Oligbo Palace, Issele-Uku, Delta State. While the Okpalas wear their red cap with a white feather, the Crown Prince’s red cap bears two white feathers, signifying his position. Having been made an Okpala, Prince Nduka proceeded on Ina Obibi; a one-night rite that had the Crown Prince do as he pleases because as a king he will never have the opportunity to misbehave. Following Ina Obibi was Ichi Di Ahu Obi ceremony. During this ceremony, as illustrated by the Ogbeleani of Issele Uku, Diokpa Isichei Okonkwo, the Crown Prince went to Ogbeofu where everybody in the village was expected to leave their homes for him to take over for a whole day. On the morning of the second day, the head of Ogbeofu village blessed the Crown Prince, as opposed to confronting him. The villagers gathered in front of the house and partook in the blessing ceremony. Diokpa Isichei added that in times past, the Ichi Di Ahu Obi used to span seven days but civilization reduced it to a one-day affair. While the rites went on the palace was traditionally sanctified by a group of people from Obior community in a rite called Idokwama Unor. After completing the aforementioned rites, as well as those not open to the public, on December 21, 2016, Crown Prince Nduka Ezeagwuna was crowned HRM Obi (Engr.) Nduka Ezeagwuna of Oligbo Kingdom. The 20th king of Issele-Uku was crowned by the Onishe of Ogboli, Justice Ozomani, who was accompanied by his kinsmen from Ogboli in the presence of princes, Okpalas and other titled men of the kingdom. The crowning commenced when the Crown Prince was escorted to the throne room by the Otu Egwu Imaba, also known as Egwu Issoh. In the room, the Obi sat before the Onishe who prepared kola and white chalk for the rites. After libation and prayers were done by the Onishe, the Sacred Crown was placed on the crown prince and he was enthroned. Cheers accompanied by singing and dancing received the new Obi when he was presented to his people. The Onishe, speaking to the people, encouraged them to respect the Obi and his decisions, as well as cooperate with him in making Issele Uku a wonderful place. He stated his optimism that new things will happen in the community, as he assured them that Obi Ezeagwuna II’s reign will be better. On December 29, 2016, Delta State governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, represented by his deputy, Barr. Kingsley Burutu Otuaro, handed over the Staff of Office to Obi Ezeagwuna II, as he urged the king to lead with the fear of God. “Lead your people with the fear of God and draw from the wisdom of your people. Adopt the principles of democracy and strive to do that which strengthens the culture and makes the people proud. People of Issele Uku, I implore you to partner with the Obi in seeking the peace and development of this kingdom,” Okowa said. Eye-opening orientation Responding in his speech read by a designate, Obi Ezeagwuna II said; “My sincere tribute goes to Omo n’Oba n’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, the Oba of Benin for the opportunity given to me by His Royal Majesty to undergo an eye-opening orientation at his palace. The profound mentoring I was privileged to receive from him while there reassured me of my affinity and strong roots. The exposure has strengthened my confidence in the task of leadership of my kingdom. “The various accounts of Issele-Uku fill me with pride and boost my desire to restore it to its past glory, by reinterpreting and giving it modern and technological expressions. In this regard, my clarion call goes to all my people at home and abroad to join hands with me to recreate Issele-Uku. On my part, I will do all that is necessary and possible to foster unity, order, and peace in the land. Cultural values and identity “The modernity of my dream will have culture as its anchor. In other words, I will pursue the regeneration of our tradition and culture. I appeal to all Issele-Uku people to take interest and participate in our traditional and cultural events for the purpose of keeping them alive. I appeal to you my people to cooperate with me in perpetuating our tradition, cultural values and identity as a legacy we hand over from generation to generation. “I appreciate His Excellency, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa for the role he has played as our state governor in ensuring the success of this ceremony. I also thank the state government for locating the Delta State Accelerated Innovation Project in Issele-Uku. We look forward with great expectation to expedited and full take-off of the project which will reduce unemployment among our youths and also create wealth for our people.” Obi-Ezeagwuna II One of the dignitaries at the event, Chief Ike Odue, a member of the coronation committee, who had witnessed three coronation exercises, said the people were optimistic of a prosperous reign. “Everyone is in support of his reign. He will be a wise king and we have high hopes for this Obi and his reign, especially as a result of his educational background. We trust him to rule us right,” he noted. Prince Christopher Akeh-Osu, describing the ceremony as wonderful, said; “the ceremony has been wonderful and the people are impressed. We pray that God will grant the young king the fortitude to succeed.” Highpoints of the occasion were the presentation of the Ada and Eben (marks of authority) to the Obi by representatives from the palace of the Oba of Benin as well as the presentation of the staff of office to the Obi by the governor. Religious heads and traditional rulers from Delta, Anambra, and Edo States, as well as members of the Delta State House of Assembly, attended the event. Specifically, the event had the presence of Mr. Emeka Nwaobi, who represents Aniocha North in Delta State House of Assembly, Princess Pat Ajudua representing Oshimili North, Chief Nkem Okwuofu, and Mr. Theodora Giwa-Amu among others. The people of Issele-Uku sang and danced to the tunes played by the Otu-Ofuobi cultural group of Issele-Uku as they prayed for the successful reign of young Obi, as he was fondly called by a cross section of the people. All these took place with intermittent chants of Doo baa, Doo baa (the salutation for the Obi) by the people. Issele-Uku has a rich history of being one of the leading communities in the Igbo speaking areas of Delta State with prominent sons like Brig Gen Fred Chijiuka, retd, Chief Nuel Ojei, the late Rev Samuel Wadei (Rev Marthin), the late Prof. Zulu Sofola, and Air Marshal Paul Dike, retd, among others. It is the headquarters of Aniocha North Local Government Area and also the headquarters of the Catholic Diocese of Issele-Uku.
Tuesday, 3 January 2017
14:10:00
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Abuja – The Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, has said that the senate would commence investigation into the latest killings in southern Kaduna State. Saraki made the announcement in a statement signed by his Special Assistant on New Media, Mr Bamikole Omishore, in Abuja on Tuesday. According to Saraki, the Senate will on resumption from recess on Jan. 10, make the issue a priority. Omishore said the senate president made the disclosure while responding to a tweet posted by one Chimeze Ukoha on the Kaduna killings. The statement quoted Ukoha as saying that “about 800 Christians were massacred in Southern Kaduna and nobody is talking about that, very bad.’’ It quotes Saraki as responding that “once @ngrsenate resumes, this issue will be addressed to get a clearer picture of what the real situation is and find a lasting solution. “Every Nigerian life matters and @ngrsenate will work to ensure that rule of law is always upheld as prescribed by the Nigerian Constitution.’’ The statement explained that Saraki was already in touch with senators from Kaduna State and that he was constantly getting updates on developments. People described as Fulani herdsmen have repeatedly killed minority Christians in the southern flank of Kaduna State.
- 14:04:00
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*Says many political office holders at federal level don’t deserve their positions A Pentecostal Cleric has declared that Nigeria is right now in the ‘Sambisa forest’, saying only the fittest persons can survive under the current situation in the country. Bishop Seun Adeoye of the Sufficient Grace and Truth Ministry (SGTM), Rehoboth Arena, Okinni, Osun State in a statement on Monday, noted that there is no indication that the current hardship in the country will be abated this year. President Buhari He said, “We all entered into the New Year with lots of expectation but there is no clear indication that things will be as smooth as we actually anticipated. But, I pray it won’t be worse. “We were told by our soldiers that they have cleared Sambisa forest of Boko Haram. That was cheerful news. But Nigeria is still in the Sambisa forest politically and economically. So, only the fittest can survive in this country now. “Corruption is still eating deep in the country and security of lives have not been adequately tackled going by the continuing slaughtering of hundreds of people in Southern Kaduna and massacres of innocent souls from other parts of the country “Prices of essential goods keep on rising without respite. Yes, only the fittest can survive. I am in doubt if any Nigeria can afford three square meals apart from those sitting on our commonwealth. Sadly, those at the helms of affairs only talked out our plights; nobody seems to be showing any meaningful concern. “We should support our government. But I am bold to say that President Muhammadu Buhari and his cabinet have not done enough to address many ills of the society. To be candid, many of those holding offices today at the federal level do not deserve to be in those positions. “Who then will free us from the Sambisa bondage? Surely, we need God’s intervention. So, Nigerians irrespective of their status must fervently pray and seek help from our Creator. Our government at all levels must also stop playing politics with our lives”, the cleric stated. Bishop Adeoye frowned at what he called injurious propaganda and deception in the running of the nation’s affairs just as he blamed most of the state governors in the country of deliberately ignoring the cries of the masses by denying them their rights. He advised Nigerians to firmly hold their destinies in their hand by engaging in profitable ventures and also ensure that the nation leaders give proper account of their stewards, saying “we voted them into offices and we must ask from them questions about our commonwealth”.
Monday, 2 January 2017
- 22:49:00
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Ghana coach Avram Grant on Monday named a provisional 26-man squad for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Gabon, with Leicester City’s Jeff Schlupp a surprise omission.
Schlupp’s Leicester team-mate, Daniel Amartey, was included as was another English Premier League player, Andre ‘Dede’ Ayew of West Ham, the BBC reports.
Aston Villa’s Jordan Ayew – Andre’s brother – was one of three English Championship players named, alongside Christian Atsu of Newcastle and Andy Diadom of Barnsley.
There was no place for Juventus midfielder Kwadwo Asamoah who is recuperating from knee injuries.
The Black Stars will go to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for a training camp from where Grant will reveal his final 23-man squad on January 4.
The tournament kicks off in Gabon on January 14.
Ghana will be based in Port-Gentil and faces Mali, Egypt and Uganda in Group D.
The Black Stars’ first match will be against Uganda on January 17.
The squad:
Goalkeepers: Razak Braimah (Cordoba, Spain), Adam Kwarasey (Rosenborg, Norway), Richard Ofori (Wa All Stars, Ghana).
Defenders: Harrison Afful (Columbus Crew, USA), Andy Yiadom (Barnsley, England), Baba Rahman (Schalke, Germany), Frank Acheampong (Anderlecht, Belgium), John Boye (Sivasspor,Turkey), Jonathan Mensah (Anzhi, Russia), Daniel Amartey (Leicester City, England), Edwin Gyimah (Orlando Pirates, South Africa).
Midfielders: Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu (Udinese, Italy), Afriyie Acquah (Torino, Italy), Mubarak Wakaso (Panathinaikos, Greece), Christian Atsu (Newcastle, England), Ebenezer Ofori (AIK Stockholm, Sweden), Thomas Partey (Atletico Madrid, Spain), Samuel Tetteh (Leifering, Austria), Joseph Larweh Attamah (Başakşehir, Turkey).
- 21:23:00
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General Overseer of the Redemmed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, has predicted that the downward trend of Nigeria’s economy will be halted this year, adding that a reversal will begin.
Giving his prediction during the night service before thousands of worshippers at the Redeemed Camp on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, he said on Nigeria: “2017 will be a year of surprises both for the oppressed and the oppressor. Surprise is a two edged sword
“Those deliberately making life difficult for the common man will be relocated. The downward plunge will slow down, stop and reversal will begin.”
For individuals, he predicted that. ”It will be a year of surprises. For prophets both true and false it will be a year of surprises. There will be quite a large number of weddings. Soul winners will see their prophecies fulfilled almost as soon as they are uttered.”
His prediction on what will happen in the world this year is that “There will be surprises for many world governments. They are coming in twos: monster earthquakes, monster floods, hurricanes and typhoons, monster tornadoes and monster fire outbreaks.”
- 18:36:00
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The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) says it will collaborate with the Federal Government to stop out-sourcing of jobs in the telecom sector, among others. Mr Ayuba Wabba, the NLC President, said this in a statement made available on Monday in Abuja. “In this New Year, we shall work with the relevant arms and agencies of government to checkmate and halt the practices of multinational corporations especially in the Telecommunication, and Oil and Gas Sectors, “who are adding to the economic crisis in the country by their new habit of out-scouring of jobs Nigerians can do to new destinations in Asia, especially Dubai and India,’’ he said. He said there were reports that Ericsson Nigeria, local subsidiary of the Global Telecommunication Solution Provider, had disengaged all Nigerian staff in its Network Operating Centres and transferred its operation to India. Wabba noted that Ericsson Nigeria had in the last few years managed the MTN Network from among its Nigerian staff. “Now, in the name of off-shoring, Indian workers are being brought to understudy their Nigerian counterparts, and thereafter these jobs monitoring MTN and other Telecommunication Networks are then transferred to India. Wabba “These have huge implications for our national security, in addition to the fact that jobs that Nigerians are competent in are being moved out of the country. “As the unfolding cyber controversy between the USA and Russia is unfolding, with the network operating centres moved out of the country. “we can be easily be shut out from the rest of the world without our being able to do anything about it,’’ Wabba said. However, the labour leader said the experience over Boko Haram and the SIM registration controversy with MTN clearly illustrates the inherent danger to Nigerian’s national security interest of the move by these multinationals. He said that HUAWEI, a telecommunication giant, was responsible for managing about 75 per cent of network operating centres such as Etisalat, Airtel, part of GLO and part of MTN network operating centres in Nigeria. “They have also commenced the knowledge transfer from Nigerian engineers to their Indian counterparts preparatory to also moving their operations to India. “We will work with the relevant committees of the National Assembly, ministries and agencies to protect our national interest. “We will be leading national campaigns against these practices in the Telecom and Oil and Gas sectors in this New Year,’’ he assured. Wabba said that the affected multinationals must be made to understand that they would not be allowed uninhibited access to making millions of dollars off Nigeria as a nation without contributing to creating jobs. He said that there must be costs to every multinational decision to take the livelihood of Nigerian workers to other shores. “We need the understanding, support and cooperation of government and its agencies in this fight to keep these jobs in the country,’’ he said.
PORT HARCOURT— Leaders and people of the Niger Delta will always strive to defend the unity of Nigeria, because to them, the country remaining as one indivisible entity is not negotiable and of paramount importance, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has said. This came as the governor, in his New Year message, called on the Federal Government to drop its alleged vindictive actions against Rivers State this year and give it due attention on matters of development. Wike, who spoke in Sokoto when he paid a visit to Sultan Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar IV at his palace, said the interest of Nigerians and Africans would be better served with Nigeria remaining as one strong and united nation. Wike He said: “Let me first of all sincerely thank you, our father, the Sultan, for what you are doing for this country, working tirelessly to bring peace and to bring unity to the people. So, for all of us this is what is meant by one Nigeria. We cannot run away from this country. The unity of this country is very paramount. The unity of this country is non-negotiable. I am from the Niger Delta, from Rivers State to be specific so I cannot see us in a divided country. No way. We stand for the unity of this country. “In Rivers State you hardly find instances of pipeline vandalism. We are working at all times to protect national assets in our state. In my state, I am governor for all the people living in the state. I am not a governor of a particular political party, but a governor for all the people of Rivers State.” While commending the Sultan for his leadership of the Muslim community in Nigeria, Wike said he was in Sokoto to felicitate with his colleague, Governor Aminu Tambuwal, who gave out his daughter in marriage on Saturday. He equally dispelled the notion that his relationship with Tambuwal had political connotation, saying they had been friends for a long time, “long before politics defined who we are now.” “Tambuwal has been my friend for a long time. If anything affects him, it affects me also. If he gives out his daughter in marriage, I have to be here to support him. If any problem happens to him, it affects me as well. Your Eminence, I am here to seek your royal blessing. You have blessed me before, that is why I am growing. So let me wish you a prosperous New Year ahead,” he added. In their remarks, both the host governor and the Sultan implored Nigerians to live in peace with one another, and wished their countrymen and women a year full of happiness and blessings. Meanwhile, in his New Year message, Wike said year 2016 was characterised with some bitter experiences which included loss of lives during the last re-run elections. “We pray that the New Year will usher in a new hope that the era of vindictiveness has ended and Rivers State will be justly treated and accorded its fair share of development projects and attention by the Federal Government,” he said. Governor Abdulaziz Yari of Zamfara State; Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar; Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike and his Sokoto State counterpart, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, during Wike’s visit to the Sultan in Sokoto. He recalled the successes recorded by his government in several areas, noting that the new year will be an opportunity to consolidate on the gains of his administration so far. He charged people of the state to be hopeful and called for unity among them. “Although it is difficult to forget the low and painful moments of 2016, especially the continuing economic difficulties and associated misery being experienced by ordinary people, as a result of the prostrate state of our national economy, as well as the extreme brutalization, bloodshed and losses that characterised the re-run legislative elections, there is still much progress to look back on over the last 12 months. So, as we come to the conclusion of a largely challenging but fruitful year, we wish to assure you that we are right on course and things can only get better for every Rivers person as we strive to consolidate on our achievements and take our State to the next level of growth and development.”
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