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Ijaw Cultural Fiesta 2024: Beyond The Cultural Festival [PHOTOS]

Published

2 years ago

January 31, 2024

If it is because of the Awigiri/Owigiri dance, they would have joined any ongoing party in their neighbourhood to get themselves danced and entertained. If it is because of food, they would have prepared it in their houses or got it in the nearest canteen. Little wonder the foremost African writer and one of Nigerian most celebrated authors, the late Chinua Achebe in his book titled ‘Things Fall Apart’ says “A man who calls his kinsmen to a feast does not do so to save them from starving. They all have food in their own homes. When we gather together in the moonlit village ground it is not because of the moon. Every man can see it in his own compound. We come together because it is good for kinsmen to do so.”

Ijaw is an ethnic nationality with its people spread across the South-South states and Ondo State. But this government-created ‘division’ did not deter them as they came from far and near to celebrate the maiden edition of the Ijaw Culture Fiesta 2024 in Warri, Delta State, thus affirming that the Ijaw speaking people are one nation. No matter what state they are in. Organised by GbaramatuVoice International, the fiesta aimed to showcase the rich Ijaw culture and perhaps even more. Indeed, it was an avenue for the Ijaw speaking people from Rivers, Bayelsa, Edo, Ondo states to showcase the rich Ijaw culture. Another unique feature of the fiesta is that emerging Ijaw artistes and Ijaw music legends came together to perform on the same stage, a testament to the common goals of the event.The Ijaw Cultural Fiesta 2024 was divided into day and night parts, with traditional dancers, traditional wrestlers among others entertaining guests during the day while Ijaw musicians including music artistes entertained dignitaries at night.

Cultural Troops from the Alhaji Mujahid Dokubo Asari Center for Kalabari Culture Preservation, Rivers State, performing during the fiesta on Tuesday.

Alhaji Mujahid Dokubo Asari Center for Kalabari Culture Preservation, Rivers State, was present to showcase the rich culture of Kalabari-Ijaw. Cultural troupe from Ogbe-Ijoh, Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State was not left out and they thrilled the Ijaw and other ethnic groups who attended the event. The performance by Mr. Right was nostalgic. He fished with his family in a fishing net, a typical daily routine for an Ijaw family. M.C. The Storyteller and his crew brought the Ijaw culture to the fore with their presentation of Ijaw traditional music some refer to as ‘Ijaw war songs,’ and many other groups with diverse Ijaw culture.

Cultural Troops from the Alhaji Mujahid Dokubo Asari Center for Kalabari Culture Preservation, Rivers State, performing during the fiesta on Tuesday.

Speaking on the brain behind the fiesta, organiser of the event, Mr. Jacob Abai, The Publisher/Chief Executive Officer, GbaramatuVoice International, said his major concern is the promotion, preservation of the Ijaw culture and unity among the Ijaw ethnic nationality, hence the event. He added that the cultural fiesta was a deliberate effort to promote the Ijaw culture, and to ensure that the traditions, customs, and practices are passed down to future generations.

A cross section of women in the festival attire at the event in Tuesday.

On the fiesta as a uniting tool, Abai said: “This fiesta is designed to foster unity within the Ijaw nation, providing a space for us to stand together, celebrate our shared identity, and strengthen our bonds. Cultural celebrations have a unique ability to bring people together. This fiesta is designed to foster unity within the Ijaw nation, providing a space for us to stand together, celebrate our shared identity, and strengthen our bonds.”

Cultural troupe displaying the Ijaw culture at the event on Tuesday.

On the fiesta as a talent show, the organisers said: “The Ijaw nation is blessed with an abundance of talent – from musicians and dancers to storytellers and artisans. The Cultural Fiesta is a platform to showcase and celebrate these talents, offering them the recognition they rightfully deserve.”

Notable Ijaw sons and daughters witness edition.

Ijaw skit maker performing at the cultural fiesta.

Ijaw music legend, Barrister S. Smooth performing at the event.

News

PHOTOS: Brazil Welcomes Tinubu With Full Military Honours In Brasília

Published

12 hours ago

August 25, 2025

Editor

Brazil on Monday rolled out full military honours at the Planalto Palace in Brasília to receive President Bola Tinubu.

Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed this on X on Monday.

Onanuga said Tinubu was welcomed by his host, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

He wrote, “More photos of the official reception for President Tinubu at the Planalto Palace in Brasília, Monday, August 25, 2025. Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva welcomed President Bola Tinubu with full military honours.”

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Tinubu Signs Direct Flight, Other Agreements With Brazil

Published

12 hours ago

August 25, 2025

Editor

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed a landmark Bilateral Air Service Agreement with Brazil, signalling the establishment of direct air links between Nigeria and South America’s largest economy.

The agreement was formalised on Monday during Tinubu’s official state visit to Brasília.

Media aide to the minister, Tunde Moshood, made this known through a statement, made available to The PUNCH.

At the signing ceremony which was witnessed by Messrs Nigerian President, Tinubu and the Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in Brasilia also had the Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, signed the agreement on behalf of Nigeria, while Brazil’s Minister of Transport, Silvio Costa Filho, also signed for the host country.

The BASA creates a new framework for direct flights between Nigeria and Brazil, with the potential to significantly enhance trade, tourism, investment, and diplomatic relations.

The statement further noted that, “ It also marks a key step in Nigeria’s broader efforts to strengthen international partnerships and improve global connectivity.”

Tinubu had arrived in Brazil with a delegation that included Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu; Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari; and other senior government officials.

According to the statement, the Brazilian President welcomed the agreement, expressing his administration’s commitment to expanding cooperation with Nigeria in sectors such as aviation, agriculture, and infrastructure.

He described the BASA as a reflection of the strong ties between both countries and an opportunity to deepen economic and cultural collaboration.

Tinubu is also scheduled to hold meetings with key Brazilian government officials, including the President of the Senate, the President of the Chamber of Deputies, and the President of the Supreme Federal Court.

The two-day visit will include high-level discussions between Nigerian and Brazilian delegations across various sectors, as both nations explore opportunities for mutual growth and development.

The statement reads, “The ongoing state visit will also see President Tinubu meeting the President of the Brazilian Senate at the National Congress, the President of the Chamber of Deputies, and the President of the Supreme Federal Court.

“The working visit, which continues tomorrow, will also feature high-level engagements between Nigerian and Brazilian delegations across various sectors, underscoring both nations’ commitment to building a future of mutual growth and prosperity.”

News

NAFDAC Warns Of Fake Postinor-2 In Circulation

Published

12 hours ago

August 25, 2025

Editor

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control on Monday issued a public alert, warning the public about confirmed counterfeit batches of Postinor-2 (Levonorgestrel 0.75 mg) now circulating in Nigeria.

The alert follows a report from the Society for Family Health, the marketing authorisation holder, confirming that they did not import the suspect batches.

Postinor-2 (Levonorgestrel 0.75mg) is a brand of emergency contraceptive pill containing the active ingredient levonorgestrel.

NAFDAC revealed there are noticeable labelling discrepancies between the authentic and fake products.

It said, “The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) hereby notifies the public of falsified Type 1 and 2 batches of POSTINOR 2 (Levonorgestrel 0.75mg) product in circulation.

“The noticeable difference was found to be as follows: The font size of the text on the pin verification sticker appears smaller and has a wrong spelling of the word Veify instead of Verify on the fake; meanwhile, the text font on the sticker of the original appears bigger and more visible. There is also a wrong spelling behind the pack of the fake “Distnibuted in Nigeria” instead of distributed in Nigeria”, NAFDAC said.

NAFDAC identified the original Postinor-2 as batch T32458H, manufactured in February 2023 with an expiry date of February 2027 and registration number 04-6985.

The agency, however, confirmed two falsified versions: Counterfeit Product (Type 1), batch T36184B, manufactured in August 2024 with an expiry date of August 2028; and Counterfeit Product (Type 2), batch 332, manufactured in March 2023 with an expiry date of February 2027, both carrying the registration number 04-6985.

It said that due to the potential presence of incorrect, substandard, or harmful ingredients, improper dosages of levonorgestrel, and a lack of sterile manufacturing conditions, poses significant risks to individual health and public safety.

“The risks of administering falsified Postinor 2 (Levonorgestrel 0.75mg) include failure of contraceptive effect, toxic or harmful contaminants, unpredictable side effects, delayed or missed opportunity for genuine emergency contraception, and potential long-term reproductive health impact. Unexpected side effects: Unknown substances can trigger allergic reactions, organ damage, or death.

“Counterfeit medicines are unregulated, untested, and illegal, making their safety and efficacy impossible to guarantee. Patients should only obtain Postinor-2 from verified pharmacies or licensed healthcare providers.

“Although Investigations are still ongoing regarding the source of the falsified product, all NAFDAC zonal directors and state coordinators have been directed to carry out surveillance and mop up the falsified product of type 1 and 2 postinor 2 (Levonorgestrel 0.75mg) within the zones and states,” it added.

NAFDAC urged consumers and healthcare providers to verify PIN stickers carefully, report suspected counterfeit products, and always purchase medications from reputable sources.