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

Published

4 months ago

January 31, 2024

Editor

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

BREAKING: CBN Withdraws Circular On Cyber Security Levy

Published

10 mins ago

May 19, 2024

Editor

The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN has withdrawn the circular directing banks and other financial institutions to implement the 0.5 per cent cyber security levy.

The withdrawal of the circular was announced via a statement signed by Haruna Mustafa, Director, Financial Policy and Regulation, Department and Chibuzo Efobi, Director, Payment System Management Department.

The circular stated: “The Central Bank of Nigeria circular dated May 6, 2024 (Ref. PSMD/DIR/PUB/LAB/017/004) on the above subject refers. ‘

“Further to this, please be advised that the above referenced circular is hereby withdrawn.”

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JUST IN: Tinubu Appoints Spokesperson, Ngelale, As Special Envoy On Climate Action

Published

2 hours ago

May 19, 2024

Editor

President Bola Tinubu has appointed his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ajuri Ngelale, as Nigeria’s Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action.

This was as he established a 25-person committee to oversee the country’s green economic initiatives.

“Ngelale will serve in this role as part of a larger Presidential Committee, to be chaired by the President,” the office of the secretary to the government of the federation revealed in a statement signed Sunday by its Director of Information and Public Relations, Segun Imohiosen.

“Ngelale will retain his role as the Official Spokesperson of the President and Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity while serving on the committee,” it added.

The statement is titled, ‘President Tinubu establishes a committee to oversee green economic initiatives, appoints Chief Ajuri Ngelale as special envoy on climate action.’

Imohsien said the Presidential Committee on Climate Action and Green Economic Solutions will “coordinate and oversee all policies and programmes on climate action and green economic development.”

“This is to remove the constraints to coordination, foster a whole-of-government approach to climate-action programmes, provide an efficient governance architecture, and ensure that all relevant institutions in the sector are plugged into the President’s vision and are collectively implementing the Renewed Hope Agenda on climate action,” it further explained.

The new committee which has the President as its Chairman also includes the Minister of Environment, Mr. Balarabe Lawal as its Vice-Chairman, and Mr. Ajuri Ngelale as its Secretary/Special Presidential Envoy.

Members are the CEOs of, InfraCorp, Mr. Lazarus Angbazo; National Council on Climate Change, Mr. Salisu Dahiru; Infrastructure Council Regulatory Commission, Mr. Michael Ohiani, Nigeria Investment Promotion Council, Mrs. Aisha Rimi and National Social Investment Fund, Mr. Aminu Umar-Sadiq.

The committee also consists of the CEOs of the National Agency for the Great Green Wall, Mr Yusuf Maina-Bukar, Energy Commission of Nigeria, Mr Abdullahi Mustapha; Rural Electrification Agency, Abba Aliyu; CreditCorp, Uzoma Nwagba, the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure, Khalil Halilu Member, Solid Minerals Development Fund, Fatima Shinkafi; CBN Deputy Governor (Deputy Governor, Corporate Services Directorate) Mr Bala Bello; UN SE4ALL, Lolade Abiola; Member and an Adviser to the NCCC Adviser, Teni Majekodunmi.

Others are representatives of the Federal Ministries of FCT, Finance, Industry, Trade & Investment, Water Resources, and Agriculture & Food Security.

The committee also consists of representatives from the Federal Inland Revenue Service and the Nigeria Customs Service.

The OSGF outlined eight objectives of the Presidential Committee. They are to:

“Identify, develop, and implement innovative non-oil & non-gas climate action initiatives.

“Coordinate all activities of relevant federal institutions towards the attainment of all agreed climate action and green economic objectives and non-oil/non-gas ambitions of the federal government.

“Collaborate with all relevant government, subnational governments, non-government, and civil society entities towards the attainment of the climate action objectives and ambitions of the federal government.

“Collaborate with national governments and multilateral institutions towards the attainment of the climate action objectives and carbon market ambitions of the federal government.

“Monitor, evaluate, and guide the progress of all climate action and renewable energy projects and activities of the federal government.

“Track and guide the implementation of initiatives and developments conducted by the Energy Transition Working Group.

“Supervise the work of the Presidential Steering Committee on Project Evergreen and

“Prepare a half-yearly green ambitions update, covering all associated climate action achievements of the federal government.”

News

Hilton Expands Presence in Nigeria With Two New Hotel Signings

Published

4 hours ago

May 19, 2024

Editor

By Tari Ayesinghan | Lagos

Hilton has announced the signing of two new hotels in Nigeria, Canopy by Hilton Lagos Victoria Island and Hilton Garden Inn Enugu.

The move marks a significant expansion of the global hospitality company’s presence in the country.

Canopy by Hilton Lagos Victoria Island will feature 176 guest rooms and suites, a rooftop bar, and a conference room.

The hotel is located in the heart of Victoria Island, with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Hilton Garden Inn Enugu will have 150 guest rooms and suites, a gym, and an outdoor pool.

The hotel is situated in the HELIU Health Tourism District & Residences, a new development that includes a hospital, shopping mall, and office park.

The two new hotels will join Hilton’s existing properties in Nigeria, Transcorp Hilton Abuja and Legend Hotel Lagos Airport, Curio Collection by Hilton.

The company has also announced plans to develop Koko Beach Resort Ilashe Lagos, Curio Collection by Hilton.

Carlos Khneisser, Hilton’s Vice President of Development for the Middle East and Africa, said: “We are excited to announce the signing of Canopy by Hilton Lagos Victoria Island and Hilton Garden Inn Enugu. These new signings reaffirm Hilton’s commitment to Africa’s hospitality sector and confidence in Nigeria as a dynamic and growing market.”

The new hotels are expected to provide guests with a unique and welcoming experience, with a focus on local culture and hospitality. Hilton Garden Inn Enugu is set to open in 2025, while Canopy by Hilton Lagos Victoria Island is expected to open in 2026.