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Ijaw Unity Emphasised As Agadagba, Oboro Gbaran II, Alagbabunafa, Others Storm Furupagha To Celebrate Atunkpokubu XIII 9th Anniversary

Published

3 years ago

June 20, 2022

L-R: Alagbabunafa; Atunkpokubu XIII and Ogonikara I at the anniversary during the weekend

The need for unity among the Ijaw ethnic nationality took a centre stage, weekend, in Zide, traditional headquarters of Furupagha kingdom, Ovia South-West Local Government Area of Edo State, as kings, clan heads, chiefs, other dignitaries converged on the community to celebrate the 9th ascension anniversary of the Ibenanawei of the kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Pere Roman Ikiyouseigha Bohan, Atunkpokubu XIII.

The celebration, first of its kind, had the Pere of Olodiama kingdom, HRM, Godwin Ogunoyibo, Alagbabunafa II; Pere of Tubutoru kingdom, HRM, Gbebokedi Ajiroba, Ogonikara I.

The Pere of Arogbo kingdom was represented by his high chiefs likewise the Pere of Gbaramatu kingdom, Oboro Gbaran II, who was represented by high chiefs of the kingdom.

In their separate short speeches, representatives of Agadagba of Arogbo and Oboro Gbaran II, Pere of Gbaramatu, on behalf of their respective kings, called for a more united Ijaw nation, adding that with unity, all the clans and kingdoms of the Ijaw nation will move forward.

While stating that they would have been loved to be physically present at the occasion, the two traditional rulers used the occasion to apologise for the people for their absence, assuring that they were there with them in spirit.

In his opening remarks, chairman, organizing committee of the anniversary, Chief Ben Bowei, while recounting the journey for the past 9 years, said though it has not been easy, God has helped in moving the kingdom from where it was to where it is.

While calling for a more united Furupagha and the Ijaw nation at large, Chief Bowei said: “There is strength in unity, and so our people have become united during the reign of His Majesty Atunkpokubu. This is only possible because the people have been solidly behind him in prayers and other required supports.”

He continued: “The point highlighted above has been extended to our relationship with neighbouring kingdoms even to Arogbo, Egbema and Gbaramatu and that had given us pride of place in the comity of kingdoms in Ijaw land and beyond.”

Kings at their entourage at the event.

Chief Bowei, who lamented the lack of infrastructure in the kingdom due to government neglect, added that all efforts geared towards the government to recognise the king have been futile.

“We have cried enough to be recognised by the government of Edo State and to be presented to the staff of office, but all our cries have fallen on deaf ears. The government has deliberately refused and neglected to play its role in society building by working with traditional institutions despite their relevance in the security of their domains.

“Our area lacks the economic drive to raise funds for the construction of a befitting palace for the king. Kings are meant to live in a glamorous royal abode but lack of economic stream in the kingdom has not made it possible for Atunkpokubu to live in such glamorous as expected and seen elsewhere.

“Good road network has been the bane of the numerous challenges in all the Ijaw kingdoms in Edo State and Furupagha is not different in this regard. It is even worse because while other kingdoms have other routes through the tributaries of creeks and rivers, our creek is in dire and urgent need for canalisation and dredging, without which we cannot grow a better economy within the kingdom,” Chief Bowei lamented.

Atunkpokubu XIII, Alagbabunafa III, Ogonikara I all used the occasion to intercede for the kingdom and the Ijaw nation at large, just as they prayed for blessings for the sons and daughters of the kingdom.

Young Ijaw musician Abobra, Tiga D’Advocate thrilled people at the epoch making event.

Some of the chiefs of the kingdom who were in attendance include: High Chief Millionaire Muje; High Chief (Engr.) Pascal Ebi Akpofagha; Chief Somi Miye; Chief Tunemi Makilolo; Chief Alex Kuruma; Chief Terry Oseyai, etc.

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VIDEO: ‘New Record’, Guinness World Record Confirms Hilda Baci’s Largest-serving Of Jollof Rice

Published

2 days ago

September 15, 2025

Editor

Nigerian celebrity chef Hilda Baci has officially set a new Guinness World Record for the largest serving of Nigerian-style jollof rice, with a staggering total weight of 8,780 kilogrammes (19,356 lb 9 oz).

The feat was accomplished in partnership with food brand Gino at Victoria Island, Lagos, and has now been formally recognized by Guinness World Records.

Announcing the confirmation on Monday via X (formerly Twitter), Guinness World Records wrote:

— Guinness World Records (@GWR) September 15, 2025
“New record: Largest serving of Nigerian style jollof rice – 8,780 kg (19,356 lb 9 oz) achieved by Hilda Baci and Gino in Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria.”

Baci, who first rose to global fame with her headline-grabbing cook-a-thon in 2023, has once again placed Nigerian cuisine on the world stage with this remarkable achievement.

Ahead of the confirmation, Guinness World Records had sent her words of encouragement, reposting a video from the Friday event and writing:

“What’s cookin’?

Best of luck to @hildabacicooks who’s attempting a new record for the largest serving of Nigerian-style jollof rice today.”

The record-breaking cooking event was held at the Eko Hotel and Suites, attracting a massive crowd of supporters, celebrities, and food enthusiasts who gathered to witness history being made.

With this latest feat, Hilda Baci continues to solidify her place as one of Nigeria’s most celebrated chefs and cultural ambassadors.

Watch video below:

https://x.com/GWR/status/1967605828728549785?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1967605828728549785%7Ctwgr%5Ef76dd52669a0205d225aa98b850aaf0d1cc2cf48%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fd-27499393753220136605.ampproject.net%2F2508281901000%2Fframe.html

Entertainment

Video: Davido Clarifies Viral Video Warri incident

Published

2 days ago

September 15, 2025

Editor

Award-winning Nigerian singer, Davido has debunked social media claims suggesting he was slapped during a recent outing in Warri, Delta State.

A viral video that surfaced online showed the singer in the midst of security operatives and fans, with a brief moment where he appeared to be struck on the head.

This led an X user, #AsakyGRN, to post: “Warri people no get joy oo. See dem sl@p Davido for head.”

https://x.com/itzbasito/status/1967582406875254789?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1967582406875254789%7Ctwgr%5E246ffeffb5e9575f6e4f4e2272b3c54eb91834d7%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.vanguardngr.com%2F2025%2F09%2Fvideo-hit-me-by-mistake-davido-clarifies-viral-video-incident%2F

Addressing the speculation on his official X handle on Monday, Davido clarified that it was his security aide who accidentally hit him, not an assault from the crowd.

“Mumu that was my security… hit me by mistake… saddist,” the singer wrote.

His response has since put an end to the rumors and clarified the misunderstanding surrounding the viral clip.

Entertainment

Brazilian Jazz Legend, Hermeto Pascoal, Is Dead

Published

3 days ago

September 15, 2025

Editor

Brazilian jazz legend Hermeto Pascoal has died at the age of 89, his family announced on Saturday.

Pascoal, known for his long white beard and hair, earned the nickname “The Sorcerer” for his ability to create music using a wide range of instruments and everyday objects.

In a statement on Instagram, his family said he died “with serenity and love,” surrounded by relatives and fellow musicians. They noted that at the moment of his passing, Pascoal’s band was performing on stage, “just as he would have wished: making sound and music.”

Born in Alagoas state in northeastern Brazil, Pascoal rose to international prominence through collaborations with jazz great Miles Davis and performances with other top musicians. Davis recorded some of Pascoal’s compositions, cementing his reputation as an innovative force in global jazz.

Pascoal was celebrated as a virtuoso who mastered multiple instruments and was renowned for his improvisational skill.

Brazilian singer Caetano Veloso paid tribute on Instagram, describing Pascoal as “one of the highest points in the history of music in Brazil.”