Metro

Culture On Display As Enugu Monarch Celebrates Iwa Ji Festival

Published

2 years ago

October 9, 2023

There was rich cultural display at Edem-Ani Ogwugwu Ancient Kingdom, Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State on Saturday, as the traditional ruler of the community, HRH, Igwe Ikechukwu Asadu, celebrated his maiden Iwa Ji Festival.

Subjects, friends and well-wishers who gathered at the festival observed that it was unique because of the special cultural artifacts which included yam barns, masquerades and local hunters which adorned the event.

While performing the Iwa Ji, the traditional ruler, HRH Igwe Asadu, prayed for his subjects, asking God to shower his blessings on the land.

Leading the pack of those who poured encomiums on the traditional ruler, the Chairman of the occasion, Prof Felix Onah, said that God used the Igwe to bring development to the people of Edem-Ani community.

Prof. Onah, said that the traditional ruler was the first in Enugu State to construct tarred road for the people of his community, adding that he equally built food bank where his subjects receive free meals on a daily basis.

Also, the Onyishi Oha of Edem-Ani community, Prof. Nnanyelugo Okoro, described the traditional ruler as a tool in the hands of God to develop the community.

He also said that the 20-bed specialist hospital which he built for the community continues to carter for the health needs of the people.

In his remarks, a traditional ruler, High Chief Ifediba (Ugo ebe n’aja ) of Ezinifite, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State described the traditional ruler as humane personality who concentrates his efforts in human empowerment and community development.

He further said that the massive show of support by his subjects suggests that the community is at peace.

Also in his reaction, the chairman, Eze Ndigbo in the Diaspora, Enugu State chapter, Chief Dr. Pat Eneh, said that he was awed when the traditional ruler led them to his yam barn. He said that he has sent a message to other traditional rulers to plants yam which would be used for their new yam festivals.

He said that the unanimous support which the traditional ruler enjoys from his subjects is a reflection of his large heartedness and milk of human kindness which have rubbed off on human and infrastructure development in his community.

He also said that the monarch has come to unify both Christianity and cultural heritage of his people.

Reverend Friday Nnamani, of the Emmanuel Church Anglican Communion, Edem Ani, said that the kind of Igwe Asadu, only comes once in an era.

He equally said that his interaction with his subjects revealed that no traditional ruler in the history of the community has equalled his developmental strides in just one year in the throne.

Metro

JUST IN: Fire Guts Ogun Guangdong Free Trade Zone In Igbesa

Published

11 hours ago

January 11, 2026

Editor

A fire broke out on Sunday at the Ogun State Guangdong Free Trade Zone in Igbesa.

As of this report, there has been no official statement on what caused the incident. However, a resident said the fire was triggered by a gas explosion from a foam-producing company in the industrial park.

The source added that the fire spread quickly, affecting nearby houses before emergency responders arrived.

Details later…

Metro

AAU Postpones Resumption Date

Published

1 day ago

January 10, 2026

Editor

The management of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, has approved, on behalf of the university’s Senate, the postponement of students’ resumption and commencement of academic activities.

In a statement,
Otunba Mike Aladenika,
Head, Information, Public Relations & Protocol, AAU, said the decision became necessary to enable the university to complete ongoing renovation works on student structures and facilities, aimed at enhancing the overall teaching and learning experience.

“According to him, the management is committed to providing a conducive environment for academic excellence and believes that this temporary adjustment will ultimately benefit our students.

“While the university management intends to announce a new resumption date, any student(s) still in our hostels are advised to vacate with immediate effect to allow for effective ongoing renovation works

“In light of this development, the university regrets to announce that the 140th Inaugural Lecture, originally scheduled for Thursday, 15th January 2026, and ongoing examinations have been postponed.

“A new date for the lecture and the completion of the examinations will be communicated to all stakeholders in due course.

“The university appreciates the understanding and cooperation of students, parents, and guardians on this matter.

“We urge all students to adhere to the new resumption date and prepare for a productive academic session.

“Parents and guardians are kindly requested to ensure their children/wards are aware of and comply with the revised resumption schedule.”

Metro

Protest Rocks Ekpoma Over Incessant Kidnapping

Published

1 day ago

January 10, 2026

Editor

Residents of Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State on Saturday protested against incessant kidnappings in the area.

Ekpoma, in recent times has been under attack by kidnappers who snatched residents from their homes.

The protest grounded commercial activities as students of the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, also joined in the protest.

The protesters, in anger, also pulled down campaign billboards for the 2027 general elections mounted in the university hosting town.

Speaking on the protest, Principal Security Officer to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Austin Eigbiremolen, assured that adequate security would be deployed to Ekpoma.

According to him, the kidnappers would be chased away from the area in no distance time.

Also reacting to the protest, Edo State Police Command Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, dismissed was top of the security situation in Ekpoma, adding the state Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, was already in Ekpoma.

Ikoedem said nine persons who were kidnapped on Friday were rescued unhurt after the Eagle Combat Drone Unit was deployed to the forest alongside local hunters.

“In the heat of the rescue operation, the kidnappers’ camp was located through real-time aerial intelligence.

“The ground troops stormed the camp, forcing the kidnappers to flee and abandon two locally fabricated AK-49 rifles.

“The victims, including five children were rescued unhurt. This landmark deployment underscores the transformative role of technology in modern policing and sets a new benchmark for operational enhancement in Edo State,” she said.