Issuu

SPECIAL AJANIGO SIMEON

BECOMING MRS.

FIDELIS CASTRO ALFA

ISSN: 2141-7423 ISSUE 38 NIG. N1000 USA $10.00 UK Â£5.00 MARCH - APRIL, 2017

KWARARAFA UNIVERSITYWUKARI HOW TO BUILD A NATION

C e l e b r a t e

I n s p i r e

C h a l l e n g e

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Arise Igala-Issue 38

FACE OF INIKPI

AJANIGO SIMEON

BEFORE Becoming

Mrs. Alfa Camera, Light, Actionâ€¦

This is a special FACE OF INIKPI dedicated to one of the best in Nollywood from Kogi state as she prepares for her marriage to MR. FIDELIS CASTRO ALFA.

Arise Igala-Issue 38

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Arise Igala-Issue 38

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SPECIAL AJANIGO SIMEON

BECOMING MRS.

FIDELIS CASTRO ALFA

ISSN: 2141-7423 ISSUE 38 NIG. N1000 USA $10.00 UK Â£5.00 MARCH - APRIL, 2017

KWARARAFA UNIVERSITYWUKARI HOW TO BUILD A NATION

C e l e b r a t e

I n s p I r e

C h a l l e n g e

GRAND PATRON His Royal Majesty DR. IDAKWO MICHAEL AMEH OBONI Agabaidu, Ata Igala & Chairman, Kogi State Council of Chiefs. FOUNDER/PUBLISHER ONOJA JAMES OKPANACHI President/CEO, Onoja Dreams Network Limited Ag. Managing Editor Ibrahim Garba Ogwu Online Editor Idakwo Oguche Editor-At-Large Emmanuel Nathan Oguche Columnists Ojochide Yusuf-Nathan Emmanuel Nelson Arome Pst. Livinus Husseini Okpe Mallam Mohhammed Atojoko Contributors Idibia Ojabo Muhammed Nasirdeen Lawal (Eleojo Mama) Moses Abimaje David Usman Yakubu PHOTO PARTNERS De Famous Studio | JT Digital World | Ottagab Voice & Vision PRODUCTION ARISE IGALA MAGAZINE (ISSN: 2141-7423) is published by ONOJA DREAMS NETWORK LIMITED (RC 868974), ABUJA: C29, MIB Plaza, First Avenue, Gwarinpa, F.C.T. | LOKOJA: C/O NUJ Press Centre, Lokoja. +234 (0)803 698 0602, (0)805 663 0751, (0)803 968 1501 Website: www.ariseigala.com, Twitter: @ariseigala, Facebook: ARISE IGALA Magazine Email: ariseigala@gmail.com, ariseigala.sales@gmail.com, ariseigala.opinion@gmail.com Copyright (c) 2010-2017 Onoja Dreams Network Limited. All Rights Reserved. With SUPPORT from

VISION To inspire a generational change that will give birth to a new breed of Igala people in the face of globalization thereby changing perspectives on selves as we consciously bring out the beauty in our people

MISSION To be (and remain) the most informative, educative, entertaining, challenging, inspiring and authentic source of information on the past and current issues of Igala Kingdom and her people as the authoritative voice and image maker of Igala race via publications and media activities.

MANDATE Our mandate is to Celebrate, Inspire and Challenge Igala sons and daughters at home and abroad into positive ventures for the benefit of mankind.

Arise Igala-Issue 38

40TH ANNIVERSARY

CELEBRATION OF AKU - UKA 11 DR. SHEKARAU ANGYU MASA - IBI

CONTENTS

REGULARS

3 7 OKULA DAY ROYAL QUOTE 2016 FROM THE ARCHIVE 8 27 PUBLISHERâ€™S DESK 9 EDITORIAL 10 17 SPECIAL 33 YOUTH EMPOWERMENT 40 EDUCATION 44 FACE OF INIKPI

HON. ABU SULE-EGBITI: THE MAN WHO REFUSED TO DISCONNECT

MERIT AWARD 2016

We invite comments and request that they be civil and on-topic. We do not moderate or assume any responsibility for views. The views in this publication are not sacrosanct. Readers have right to reply. All photographs in ARISE IGALA are copyright of the magazine and may not be reproduced, copied or used in any form without written permission from the publisher.

Arise Igala-Issue 38

THE ROYAL QUOTE

HRM, DR. IDAKWO

AMEH OBONI II, JP

ATA IGALA

Agabaidu, Ata Igala and Chairman, Kogi State Council of Chiefs.

The lack of the knowledge of the history of the Igala people by our past and present national leaders is the bane of our advancement as a people. As early as 1841, Attah Amocheje had signed a treaty with the British, twenty years before Lagos signed a treaty with them in 1861. The Igala nation had been a very strong kingdom controlling commercial activities and navigation on the Niger River at Idah many years before the advent of the white man.â€?

This being part of His Royal Majestyâ€™s speech at the 3rd anniversary celebration of his ascension to the throne of his fore-fathers in March, 2016 at Idah, the cultural headquarters of Igala Kingdom. Arise Igala-Issue 38

FROM THE ARCHIVE

IN LOVING MEMORY OF PPRINCE ATTAH

Prince Attah Israel Ameh Oboni (1st from right) during the traditional trek from Ugwolawo to Idah in March, 2013 as part of the traditional rites of his father (HRM, DR. IDAKWO MICHAEL AMEH OBONI II) ascending the royal stool of Igala Kingdom as the 22nd Ata Igala on the Ayegba Idoko Dynasty established over 500 years ago. He was there The Prince was there Attah was there From Ugwolawo to Idah Israel matched gallantly He made it happily Like others who were here before him Prince Attah has gone to be with Him And, he will remain there with Him Continue to rest with Him

Arise Igala-Issue 38

PUBLISHER’S DESK

ONOJA J. OKPANACHI PUBLISHER/CHIEF EDITOR

How To Build A Nation (Part I)

“Oh God of creation Direct our noble cause And guide our leaders right Help our youth the truth to know In love and honesty to grow And living just and true Great lofty heights attain To build a nation where peace And justice shall reign.” May God continue to bless the lineage of John A. Ilechukwu, Eme Etim Akpan, B.A. Ogunnaike, Sota Omoigui and P.O. Aderigbe for the LYRICS of this National Anthem and also the Nigerian Police Band under the directorship of B.E. Odiasse for the MUSIC and all those who carefully worked to select these words from all the entries which were finally adopted in 1978 as the National Anthem replacing the old “Nigeria, We Hail Thee”. The words from the second stanza of Nigeria’s national anthem (ARISE, O COMPATRIOTS) truly encapsulate all that is needed to build a nation where peace and justice shall reign. Because if we don’t, then we shall live in a country where disharmony and injustice shall reign. So, what do you think of our country today? In summary, here is a brief analysis of the NATIONAL ANTHEM: “Oh God of creation” True acknowledgement of God in all our dealings. “Direct our noble cause” The cause we pursue must be noble for God to direct us as a people. Anything not noble, count

God out of it. “And guide our leaders right” Our leaders need guidance but do they avail themselves? How many are trained or ready to be trained for leadership? Guidance means following a lead which means there must be a plan and so the plan must be followed. This equally means steady followership which can be ordinarily interpreted as training and retraining as being static or dogmatic would never take us to the promised land. “Help our youth the truth to know” These lines became very necessary just 18 into our independence seeing the happenings then as I believe the composers probably have seen a kind of future that truth may evade our youth and therefore danger looms across the nation. Today, what do we see all over? Misplacement of priority because our values are gradually being replaced by other things so we are loosing it as a nation. Until we get our school curriculum right, until we understand our humanity beyond ethnicity, region and religion, until the TRUTH become part of the growing of our youth there will be no peace and justice in the nation. We shall continue this analysis in ISSUE 39 but we must always be conscious of one fact that building a nation begins from where we are right now - from our families, communities and then the larger society will feel our collective impact cumulating into goodness for all. ARISE!

Arise Igala-Issue 38

EDITORIAL

THE LAST IS GONE “...The last is gone and I pray that no family in the land will experience such pain again. May the departure of Prince Attah Israel Ameh Oboni be the last. Henceforth, let peace reign upon the land and I pray today that no one, no parent in the land bury their children again…” Her Royal Majesty, Iye Oja (Onyete) continued in this line then it dawned on me that truly anyone who dwells and finds consolation in the Words of the Lord has all that there is life. Her Royal Majesty, Deaconess Juliana Idakwo Ameh Oboni stands for a perfect woman of God as her trust and full confidence in God was displayed when life threw her and the royal family one of the worst and most painful stones - death. The death of Prince Attah Israel Ameh Oboni (the last of her four children) was so dramatic that one could be tempted to say it was carefully scripted. No, it wasn’t, death always come in that manner that it will always shake the affected to the very foundation. As painful as it was, it also gave the living great opportunity to reexamine their lives as death always do - Death is a constant reminder that the life we live is just borrowed so one day, the owner will ask of it and we must succumbed to submit and thereafter give account of how we live our lives. So, we shouldn’t rejoice always because it’s all good with us then forgetting that we have responsibilities to care for others to make the world a better place to live in as this is one of the primary reasons for our creation. On this note, we would love to encourage all our readers to live their lives in accordance to God’s pattern so that at the end of our race here on earth we will have reasons to be happy for eternity hereafter. We can live and be who God wants us to be as a people to His own glory and to the benefit of mankind.

10 Arise Igala-Issue 38

COVER STORY

40TH ANNIVERSARY

CELEBRATION OF

AKU - UKA DR. SHEKARAU ANGYU MASA - IBI

he Jukunland of the old Kwararafa Empire is constantly showing clear example on how to build a great nation through her steady communal cooperation resulting into enviable community projects. The 40th anniversary celebration of His Royal Majesty, Aku-Uka, DR. SHEKARAU ANGYU MASA-IBI and the maiden convocation of KWARARAFA UNIVERSITY, WUKARI, Taraba State showed how greatly united the people are and what they could achieve together as a community as against what individuals can do along the lines of self-centred interests. The university is indeed first of its kind in the country being a community owned one and over the years the management under the leadership of Prof. Yakubu Ochefu has done so great that it will be difficult to believe that it is a community owned higher institution in Nigeria in the face of the current happenings. The great Jukuns moving in the Kwararafa Spirit are in the lead of showing all kingdoms things that can be done correctly if we can carefully look inward as a people then come together to carry out projects that are very beneficial to our people in our various communities.

On the 40th celebration of Aku-Uka, HRM, Ata Igala, DR. IDAKWO MICHAEL AMEH OBONI II, JP made it a point to celebrate with his brother the king (Aku-Uka) as he led an entourage of one hundred and twenty (120)

HRM, AKU-UKA, DR. SHEKARU ANGYU MASA-IBI during his 40th anniversary on the royal throne of Jukunland on Friday, March 17, 2017 in Wukari, Taraba State

plus to Wukari from Igalaland to grace the occasion with some of the royal masquerades too in their beautiful colours.

Arise Igala-Issue 38

COVER STORY

The VC, Prof. Yakubu Ochefu, The Chancellor, Alh. Ahmadu Aliyu Oga Onawo, Aandoma of Doma, Sen. Daisy Danjuma, Sultan of Sokoto, Prof. Julius Okojie and Prof. Jerry Gana

HRM, DR. IDAKWO MICHAEL AMEH OBONI II, JP arriving the venue of the Convocation 3. HRM, DR. IDAKWO MICHAEL AMEH OBONI II, JP arriving the venue of the Convocation

One of the Igala royal masquerades greets AGABAIDU before leaving for the event’s venue 5. One of the Igala royal masquerades greets AGABAIDU before leaving for the event’s venue

Another royal masquerade comes to greet AGABAIDU

L-R; Barr. (Haj.) Halima Alfa and HRH, Ohiogba Mozum at the 40th anniversary of Aku-Uka in Wukari

12 Arise Igala-Issue 38

AGABAIDU (m) at the convocation ground

COVER STORY

AGABAIDU heading for the event venue with some of His Majestyâ€™s entourage

At the convocation ceremony of Kwararafa University in Wukari

At the maiden convocation ceremony of Kwararafa University, Wukari, Taraba State

Cultural displays at the 40th anniversary of HRM, Aku-Uka

Federal and state dignatories at the maiden convocation of Kwararafa University, Wukari

Group of young men traditionally dressed at the ceremony

Arise Igala-Issue 38

COVER STORY

HRM, AGABAIDU (2nd left) and some of his chiefs on the trip with him to Wukari

HRM, AKU-UKA arriving the ceremonyâ€™s venue

HRM, AKU-UKA Wukari (R) and HIS brother, HRM, ATA IGALA (L) receiving a royal greeting at the inner palace of AKU-UKA

HRM, AKU-UKA Wukari receiving a royal welcome at the 40th anniversary ground in Wukari

In Wukari, Agabaidu being greeted at dawn before proceeding to ceromony ground

L-R; Agabaidu and his brother, Aku-Uka having one-on-one

L-R; HRH, Achema Attah Dekina and HRH, Oiogba Muzum in Wukari

L-R; Mr. Peter, Princess of the Jukunland and some of our Jukun sisters at the ceremony

14 Arise Igala-Issue 38

COVER STORY

On the front row, Mr. Peter Attah Igalaâ€™s Protocol Officer with some of our Jukun brothers and the anniversary

Our jukun brothers out in the traditional ways to celebrate Aku-Ukaâ€™s 40th anniversary on throne

Paying homage to Agabaidu by some Igala grouop in Wukari

Prof. Jerry Gana and AGABAIDU exchanging pleasantaries at the ceremony

Prof. Jerry Gana speaking at the convocation

Prof. Julius Okojie

Arise Igala-Issue 38

COVER STORY

Some traditional drummers at the ceremony

Royal welcome for AGABAIDU

Some traditional performers arriving the ceremony gound in Wukari

Some women group performing traditional dance at the ceremony

The Vice Chancellor, Kwararafa University, Prof. Yakubu Ochefu (l), Prof. Jerry Gana (m) at the maiden convocation ceremony of Kwararafa University, Wukari, Taraba State

The royal masquerades keep coming in their beauties as AGABAIDU prepares to leave for the ceremony

The traditional hunters and warriors at the ceremony

16 Arise Igala-Issue 38

SPECIAL

AJANIGO SIMEON

BECOMING MRS.

FIDELIS CASTRO ALFA

Arise Igala-Issue 38

SPECIAL

BECOMING MRS.

FIDELIS CASTRO ALFA

oung, beautiful, creative and determined Ajanigo Simeon is Nollywood actress of Igala origin who is on a steady rise in the industry. She is indeed making her marks and history will not forget her for documenting local contents of her people in the industry filled with cultural competition.

In her beauty and intelligence, she humbly decided to also settle into marriage contrary to what many may expect of her being a â€œcelebrityâ€? but she chooses to be that Igala girl whose culture revered the marriage institution very well. So, on Saturday, January 28, 2017 she tied the knot with her love, Mr. Fidelis Castro Alfa in Anyigba in a very classic ceremony thereby becoming Mrs. Fidelis Castro Alfa. At the marriage ceremony, many highly placed Igala sons and daughters turned out to honour this young woman who is making the people very proud. Among those who graced the ceremony are Admr. Ibrahim Ogohi, Admr. Jibril Usman, Dr. Victor Alewo Adoji, Hajia Salamatu Baiwa (HSB), Prophet Emmanuel, Engr. Ibrahim Isa Atodo, Barr. Cosmos H. Ataboh, Hon. Friday Makama, DCP Abutu Yaro, Comr. Hilary Amodu and many others. Also, beautiful faces from Nollywood were there to support one of their own.

L-R; DCP Abutu Yaro, Mr. Fidelis and friend

18 Arise Igala-Issue 38

At the traditional wedding, Mr. Fidelis, the groom in the midle

SPECIAL

L-R; Barr. Cosmas Ataboh, Hon. Friday Makama and the groom, Mr. Fidelis

Some beautiful ladies at the bridal shower

Doing the dance thing at bridal shower

The bride and friends in their unique mood

The Bride at the Bridal Shower

Ready to release the bride

The bride, you can go and be greater and greater

A very young talent, saxaphonist with Dr. Victor Alewo Adoji and Admr. Jubril Usman

And now, the bride is here on the traditional setting

Appreciation, Ajanigo speaking with Dr. At the wedding, the young creative film Victor Adoji (m) and Comr. Hilary Amodu (l) director DeeJay Saâ€™id (l) showing support to one of the industryâ€™s greats, Ajanigo

Dr. Victor Adoji arriving the wedding arena

Arise Igala-Issue 38

SPECIAL

Hajia Salamatu Baiwa (HSB) arrives the wedding venue in style as always

Here comes the groom

20 Arise Igala-Issue 38

On the right is the man of God, Prophet Emmanuel of The Divine Hands of God International Ministry, Abuja

Prophet Emmanuel arriving the wedding

SPECIAL

g venue

Arise Igala-Issue 38

SPECIAL

The bride in her various traditional outfits

Some traditional groups and dancers at the wedding

22 Arise Igala-Issue 38

The bride in her various traditional outfits

The groom, really ready to go

SPECIAL

The ATODOS are here at the wedding

Some traditional groups and dancers at the wedding

The Generals arriving; from back, 3rd on the right is Admr. Ibrahim Ogohi and on the frontline, on the brown native is Admr. Jibril Usman

Some friends of the groom at te wedding

The groom in happy mood with family

This memorable moment with Hajia Salamatu Baiwa (HSB) as she embraces the young bride and speaking words of encouragement to her

The groom, Mr. Fidelis chilling waiting for the time

Zeze and lovely wife at the wedding

The bride, really ready to go

Arise Igala-Issue 38

24 Arise Igala-Issue 38

Arise Igala-Issue 38

ADVERT

Alhaji Atiku Abubakar (L) welcomes IB Audu, Kogi State Chairman of Atiku Care Foundation in a warm handshake

“Education Can truly change a person” -ATIKU ABUBAKAR

“ATIKU CARES FOUNDATION (ACF) is a non-profit, non-governmental and non-political voluntary organisation, registerd with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) as a foundation whose objective is to raise the development potential of the youth, women and children to enable them lead an adequate and self-sustainable life in the society. ACF will also foster partnership and collaboration between and amongst its communities through its various activities on Scholarship and Prize Programme, Unity Programme, Health and Job Creation and Empowerment Programmes, among others, with its focus on community development. With a defined target group of Youth, Women and Children, the Foundation acts as a “voice” for the youth, women and children by meeting their needs and to promote and improve life for people by resolving what disunites us, advance education, preventing diseases and improving health and empowerment through income generating activities for the youth and women.” Let’s Come Together To Make A Difference Powered by Kogi State Chapter, Atiku Care Foundation

Head of Operations, Kogi State Chapter, Atiku Care Foundation 26 Arise Igala-Issue 38

EVENT & PEOPLE

OKULA DAY

he annual Okula Day is gradually becoming a major event that brings Igala sons and daughters together in Okula-Alloma every December. The gathering has become a seed for cultural renaissance in the land as many of our cultural dances are brought to live at the event - Many beautiful and creative masquerades come in from different parts of Igalaland to perform for two days and thereafter, the best 3 emerge and rewarded with their teams respectively according to their positions in the dance competition.

2016

The last edition was another historical one with many people coming together and as a result, discussion on development of the entire Igalaland has already commenced with the Okula Vision 2045 + 5 being unveiled. Itâ€™s a development strategy and a very good model that many communities can easily tapped into to bring positive development to their communities. Royal fathers from across Igalaland were very pleased about the development and are seriously looking up to the next edition come December, 2017.

Arise Igala-Issue 38

EVENT & PEOPLE

1st Prize winner

2nd Prize Winner

4th Prize Winner

Set for the grand finale

Dr. Victor Adoji and the Okula Gago finalising some vital issues at the grande finale

Hajia Salamatu Baiwa - HSB (R) and Mummy ADOJI (L) at the grande finale

Dr. Moses Abu greeting the royal fathers as he arrives the grande finale

28 Arise Igala-Issue 38

EVENT & PEOPLE

HSB with Ohiogba Mozum at the grande finale in Okula

Arise Igala-Issue 38

EVENT & PEOPLE

30 Arise Igala-Issue 38

EVENT & PEOPLE

Arise Igala-Issue 38

EVENT & PEOPLE

32 Arise Igala-Issue 38

CHAT ROOM

HON. ABU SULE-EGBITI:

THE MAN WHO REFUSED TO DISCONNECT Energetic, lively and very down-to-earth are some of the best ways to describe Hon. Abu Sule-Egbiti. This young vibrant man from Ejule Allah Ward (Ofu) is the current Administrator of the New Direction government of Kogi state in charge of Ofu Local Government Area. ARISE IGALA Magazine in a recent chat with him attempts to figure out some of the reasons why he is not carried away by the current office he occupies. AIM: Hon., nothing seemed to have changed about how you relate with people despite your office as the Ofu Local Government Administrator.

EBGITI: Should anything change? No. The people remain my people. I know them before assuming the office and they will still be out there even when I leave the office (hopefully to higher callings… smile). So, I will always meet them at every point; I need them, they need me, that’s what life is always and all humans must know this fact. Also, I have learnt early in life that office change people but I refused to change because I know it’s politics and we are still going far so I want to go far with the people and then end well with them. AIM: Well, I think something changed… Arise Igala-Issue 38

CHAT ROOM

AIM: Well, you know Kogites are used to seeing their local governments’ heads in Lokoja most times than in their primary place of assignments so it must be a good development then. But, in this case, your house in Ofu must always be filled since the people can easily access you at home? EGBITI: ARISE, ARISE!!! Huhmmm. At home? Well, Ofu has a local government headquarters and a lodge too. So, I operate officially from these places. It is New Direction, things are done the right way. His Excellency, the Executive Governor trusts me and so do Hon. Edward Onoja who are exemplary leaders. EGBITI: (Cuts in) What? ARISE tell me. I want to know. AIM: (Continued) …you are not always in Lokoja like before, yes, right? EGBITI: (Smiling) ARISE, I am the Local Government Administrator of Ofu so where should I be? My office, yes, Ofu is where my office is located. My duties are primarily to my people. The good people of Ofu so I should always be there with them. You can only see me these days in Lokoja when I have something vital and official. Let me add here quickly that this is the kind of discipline brought on board by The New Direction government of Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, the Executive Governor of Kogi State.

34 Arise Igala-Issue 38

AIM: So, the guest house/lodge must be in a very good shape before you assumed office then? EGBITI: Well, it was only existing but my administration has to fix it and make it habitable because the right thing must be done. AIM: Hon., what about the hospital in Umomi that does not have toilet facilities? How did you feel receiving such information? EGBITI: ARISE, you really have your ears to the ground. Well, let me not say much about how I feel but the good thing is that I am in charge now so, it’s been done because the right thing must be done in the New Direction.

CHAT ROOM

AIM: Alright. Hon., so what are your visions for the local government?

life more so that I have been a businessman. I took the office ready and not coming to learn so it was work from the word go.

EGBITI: We are replicating the state government’s agenda in the local government so we are focusing on health, education, agriculture, infrastructure etc. We are engaging the youths seriously so to disengage them from criminal activities and violence and by God’s grace the area is really calm today going by what it used to be before we came into office.

AIM: What would you want to be remembered for when you leave this office tomorrow?

AIM: Hon., were you prepared for this office or it just came to you suddenly?

AIM: Thank you for the time Hon.

EGBITI: Leadership, yes, I was prepared for it all my

EGBITI: I have been a grassroot person. Am always in touch with the realities at the grassroot so it is now my turn to do my part in fixing the problems. So, I will do my best and hope it will be worth being remembered for.

EGBITI: ARISE, it’s my pleasure. You are always welcomed.

Arise Igala-Issue 38

YOUTH EMPOWERMENT

Hon. Arome Gabriel Adoji Presents Scholarship/ Admission Letters To Beneficiaries In Ofu Local Government

he Honourable Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports congratulated the beneficiaries of the scholarship programme which was facilitated and made possible by the magnanimity of His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, the Executive Governor of Kogi State. He urged the beneficiaries to make good use of the opportunity presented to them and come out with good grades to make their families, communities and the State proud. The Honourable Commissioner said he is grateful to His Excellency for supporting the programme to become a success and asked for the patience of the youths around the State, as the main phase of the scholarship programmes, empowerment and jobs will soon be rolled out. He assured them of equity and equality of the programmes to come as the Ministry is in the process of developing a comprehensive database

that will capture all the bio-data and CV’s of Youths and women of the state and will ensure even distribution and also what is meant for each person will get to the beneficiary directly without any proxy. Adoji equally assured the people of Kogi State of the government’s commitment and will to better the lives of the people, because it’s a government of New Direction in the Right Direction. He said It is the awakening and the dawn of a new era, the rebirth of governance with essence, a government where we give back to the people what the people and God handed to us. The Hon. Commissioner addressed the representatives of wards and communities in Ofu LG. about the list of deplorable roads and feeder roads which was submitted to His Excellency, for either rehabilitation, construction and grading will be getting adequate and proper attention.

Hon. Ali Adoji welcoming home sons and daughters of Okula and all their guest at the occassion

Guests, recipients and others who graced the occasion

36 Arise Igala-Issue 38

YOUTH EMPOWERMENT

Guests, recipients and others who graced the occasion

His Excellency, Goodman Akwu admonishing the people on developing good characters that will help transfrom the land positively

Hon. Arome with the list of beneficiaries

Hon. giving thanks to God for the opportunity to serve the people

Presentation of forms-admission letters to the beneficiaries

Presentation of forms-admission letters to another beneficiaries

Arise Igala-Issue 38

YOUTH EMPOWERMENT

Presentation of forms-admission letters to the beneficiaries Presentation of forms-admission letters to the beneficiaries

38 Arise Igala-Issue 38

YOUTH EMPOWERMENT

Presentation of forms-admission letters to the beneficiaries Presentation of forms-admission letters to the beneficiaries

Presentation of forms-admission letters to the beneficiaries

The beneficiaries in group photograph with the Honourable Commissioner

Arise Igala-Issue 38

NATIONAL HONOUR

Prof. M.S. Abdulkadir recieving the award from the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo who represented President Muhammadu Buhari at the occasion

NATIONAL PRODUCTIVITY ORDER OF MERIT AWARD 2016 PRESENTED TO Mohammed Sanni Abdulkadir, PhD, FHSN Professor of Economic History Vice Chancellor, Kogi State University, Anyigba - NIGERIA

Mohammed Sanni Abdulkadir, a Professor of Economic History from Bayero University, Kano. He hails from Dekina, in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State. He attended Junior Native Authority Primary School, Dekina, from 1959 to 1962; and Senior Native Authority Primary School, Dekina from 1963 to 1965. After that he proceeded to Arabic Central School, Idah (1967-1969), and from there he went to College of Arts and Arabic Studies, Sokoto (1970-1975). From 1976 to 1980, he attended the School of Preliminary Studies and Bayero University College, Ahmadu Bello University, Kano. Mohammedâ€™s set was the first to have the Bayero University, Kano (BUK) Certificate in 1980. He had first degree in History (Special Honours Upper Second Class) and Graduate Certificate in Education in 1980, and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Economic History in 1990 from BUK. I became Professor of Economic History in 2000. He has participated in the National Universities Commission Accreditation 40 Arise Igala-Issue 38

Exercise to six Universities. Over the years he has been involved in University governance systems (Department, Faculty and University) and various community services. These include: 1. Department of History, Bayero University, Kano - Chair of History Department (19992001, 2005-2009), Chairman, Committee for the mounting of B.A. Development Studies (2013); International Conference Standing Committee (2013-2014); Department Appointments and Promotions Committee (1999-2001, 2005-2009); Computer Committee (1999-2001); Undergraduate Counsellor and Academic Adviser (1985-1992, 2002-2005); Patron, Students Historical Society of Nigeria, Bayero University, Kano (1988-2015); Member, Committee to Establish Linkages with Overseas Universities (2010-2012); and Member of various Committees. 2. Faculty of Arts and Islamic Studies, Bayero University, Kano â€“ Chairman, Accreditation and Quality Assurance Committee (2010-2012);

NATIONAL HONOUR Faculty Appointments and Promotions Committee (1999-2001, 2005-2015); Research and Higher Degrees Committee (1996-2011); Committee to Investigate a Conflict in the Mass Communications Department (2002); and Member of several Committees. 3. Bayero University, Kano – Chairman, Professorial Inaugural Lecture Committee (20102015); Organizing Committee on Workshop on Research Proposal for Funding (2008); Deputy Chairman – Senate Committee on Fees and Charges (2010-2012); Postgraduate School (1998-2001); and Member of other Committees. Vice President, Northwest Zone of the Historical Society of Nigeria (2005-2011); Member representing Kogi State on the Northern Governor’s Forum Committee on Reconciliation, Healing and Security 2011-2012); USA Embassy Abuja Panel for the Interview of Prospective Junior and Senior Fulbright Scholars for 2006/2007 (2005); Transition Committee, Kogi State Government (2012); Committee on the Preparation of Academic Brief of the Federal University, Kashere (2011); Committee of Deans and Directors Task Force on Federal Government Policy Document on Autonomy of Nigerian Universities (2000); Committee on improving the Quality of Academic Administration (2008); Council Member, Historical Society of Nigeria (2005-2011); President, Bayero University Chapter of the Fulbright Alumni Association of Nigeria (2005-date); Moderator, Interim Joint Matriculation Examination for History (20032014); Supervisor, Livestock Survey, Kano (19861988); Coordinator, Centre for Management Training and Consultancy, Kano Zone (19851987); Judge, Young Mangers Competition, Nigeria Institute of Management, Kano (19841994); and several others. He has assessed Six and Fourteen colleagues to the rank of Professor and Associate Professor / Reader respectively. He presented his Professorial Inaugural Lecture in 2004 titled “Structuring, Struggling and Surviving Economic Depression in Northern Nigeria: The 1930s as Preview of the Present”. He has examined nine PhD Theses and fifty nine Master Degree Dissertations in various Universities in Nigeria. I was External Examiner to six Universities across the country. He was a Member of National Universities Commission Accreditation Team to Seven Universities, namely: IBB University, Lapai (2010); Lagos State University, Ojo (2011); Niger

Delta University, Wilberforce Island (2012); Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo (2012); Redeemers University, Mowe (2012); University of Ilorin (2014); Ebonyi State University, Abakilki (2014). He has attended 46 conferences locally and internationally and presented scholarly papers.

Prof.’s profile being read at the award ceremony

He is a Member of Professional Bodies, Societies, Assessment Committees, Board and Alumni. Some are: Member, West African Research Association, African Studies Association, and African Network in Global History. Associate Member, Centre for African Studies, University of London (AprilJune, 1994, January-September, 1995), Institute of Commonwealth Studies, University of London (April-June, 1994, January to September, 1995), and Centre of African Studies, Cambridge University, United Kingdom (January-September, 1995). He was Leventis Scholar at the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London (January to April, 1994), Smuts Visiting Fellow in CommonWealth Studies at the Cambridge University, United Kingdom (January to September, 1995), and Foundation Fellow at Clare Hall, Cambridge University, United Kingdom (January to April, 2000), and Fulbright Scholar-in-Residence in the United States of America (September, 2004 to June, 2005). Member of the Governing Body of Wolfson College, Cambridge University (January to September, 1994), Member of the Governing Body of Clare Hall, Cambridge University (January to April, 2000), Member of the Bayero University Governing Council (2007 to 2011), and Member Arise Igala-Issue 38

NATIONAL HONOUR of the Kogi State University Governing Council (2013 to 2015). Fellow of the Historical Society of Nigeria, Fellow of Wolfson College under F, Cambridge University, United Kingdom and Life Member, Clare Hall, Cambridge University, United Kingdom. He is the Fourth Vice Chancellor of Kogi State University, Anyigba.

FIRST ONE YEAR ACHIEVEMENTS OF PROFESSOR MOHAMMED SANNI ABDULKADIR AS THE FOURTH VICE CHANCELLOR OF KOGI STATE UNIVERSITY, ANYIGBA â€“ OCTOBER 12, 2015 â€“ OCTOBER 12, 2016. 1. Decentralization of University Governance System: Decentralization of University governance and strengthening the culture of team work, collective decision making and respect for diverse opinions through Committee System. Indeed, over twenty standing and ad-hoc Committees have been set up for the effective running of the University Governance system. 2. Reconstitution of the Student Union Government (SUG): Reconstitution of the SUG which had all along been managed on an Interim basis due to internal crises within the Union. 3. Successful Accreditation of Twelve Programmes in the Faculty of Education: The Accreditation of the Programmes in the Faculty carried out in October, 2015 and funded solely from the IGR witnessed 100% accredited status. 4. Drone Technology Initiative: The realization of the peculiar security challenges posed by the host community as well as the unique nature of the technology to geography department, the University has keyed into the novel drone technology initiative by acquiring drone equipment for research and surveillance. 5. Upgrading and Repositioning of General Studies (GST) Unit: One of the academic units that service all faculties in KSU is the General Studies Unit. In line with the importance attached to General Studies by the National Universities Commission (NUC), the General Studies as a Unit has accordingly been upgraded to a full Directorate in accordance 42 Arise Igala-Issue 38

with the acceptable best practices. 6. Establishment of the Directorate of SERVICOM: During this period on watch, the Directorate of SERVICOM was established with a full Director to enhance effective and prompt quality service delivery in the University. 7. Renovation of the University Medical Centre: Wards, laboratory and offices renovated and a private ward constructed. 8. Provision of Generator: A generator was provided for emergency use in the University Clinic. 9. Tertiary Institution Social Health Insurance: This is a students and private staff health insurance scheme for the willing staff in the order to ensure easy access to free health care services at the University clinic and other hospitals. 10. Borehole: Construction of a borehole for the use of the University clinic. 11. Repositioning of the University Printing Press: The University Printing Press has been repositioned as a full Directorate headed by a Director for prompt service delivery in University and outsourced printing assignments. This will, in the long run, tackle financial leakages through the outsourcing of University printing jobs. 12. New Format of Result Presentation at Senate: Hitherto, result presentation at Senate took days before consideration and approval. This had resulted in the waste of precious time needed for other productive and pressing assignments. Now, no matter the volume of result the time spent has been considerably reduced to no more than two hours. This is because only summary of results come to Senate. This development has led to significant reduction of paper wastage and given members of Senate the time to attend to the teaching and research needs of the University. 13. Allocation of Quota to our Pre-Degree and Diploma Graduands: The Centre for Pre-Degree and Diploma Studies is an important Academic Centre. However, the non-consideration of the products from the Centre for admission nearly killed it. So as a Management we have dealt with the situation and now specific admission quota has been allocated for the Centre to be explored every admission year. In fact, all students who passed

NATIONAL HONOUR the Pre-Degree examinations and have all admission requirements are considered. 14. Reformed and Transparent Process of Accommodation Allocation to Students: Before now accommodation provision lacks transparency. This has led to the introduction of a reform whereby students now access accommodation on first come first served basis. 15. Extension of Period for Students who were unable to pay School Fees: This became imperative due to current economic problem and meltdown. Equally, payment of late registration has been suspended for now. 16. Introduction of Taxi Mode of Transportation on the Campus: This initiation on PPP was meant to ensure a more secured and safer, better controlled and conducive internal movement of staff and students. 17. Securing the Presence of a detachment Military Personnel: Military personnel are now part of the security team for the protection of life and properties of staff and students, beef up security as well as checking heinous crimes and social vices on campus. 18. Advanced Digital Appreciation Programme for Tertiary Institutions (ADAPTI) Training for 120 Staff: This was provided by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). 19. Existing Wireless Cloud Infrastructure Upgrade Completion. This was implemented by KIwitech and ITC Services Limited – Courtesy of NCC. 20. Implementation of Second Face of the Nigerian Universities Electronic Teaching Platform: Courtesy NCC – Yet to be implemented. 21. Donation of 110 Laptop Systems to KSU Courtesy NCC – Yet to be delivered. 22. Provision of several Data-Bases to the University Library. 23. Support to the Library to host Local and International Workshops on ICT: A Typical example is the Digital Bridge Institute – International Centre for Information and Communication Technology Studies. 24. On-Going Provision of Independent Library Information Technology: This is meant to turn-around the fortune of the library in providing first class library services. 25. Partnership with Afro-Allied Industries Limited and Development Council and KSU

Prof. Mohammed Sanni Abdulkadir at the national award ceremony in Abuja

Cashew Processing Plant. 26. Collaboration with Raw Material Research and Development Council and KSU on the utilization of Cashew nut shell liquid plant. 27. Inclusion of Chief Security Coordinator and Director Academic Planning and Development as members of the University Management Committee: This process with provide information and clarifications needed on security and academic matters. 28. Commercialization of Embalmment and other services in Anatomy. 29. Establishment of the Department of Educational Foundation. 30. Proposed Establishment of ID Cards Centre. 31. Reviewing of University Strategic Plan to cover 2016-2020. 32. Affiliation of Peter Achimugu College of Theology, Ankpa to KSU. 33. Continuous emphasis on the culture of discipline among staff and students. 34. Continuous monitoring of TETFund and Federal Government NEEDS Assessment projects to ensure quality jobs, compliance and early completion of projects as prescribed. 35. Process of Establishing KSU Business School and Directorate for Continuing Education. 36. Demonstration of time consciousness by being prompt to meetings. 37. Regular meeting of Senate and University Management Committees. Arise Igala-Issue 38

EDUCATION

Awwal Yasin Agono being honoured by the Chairman of Igala Education Foundation, Arc G.Y Aduku, OON during the 2016 Igala Education Summit

Secrets of Getting First Class:

2016 overall best graduating student, Federal University, Dutse reveals secrets of his success BY NATHAN OGUCHE EMMANUEL

He’s calm, unassuming, gentle and simple, but the closer you get, the more you understand how intelligently complex he is. Awwal Yasin Agono is the 2016 overall best graduating student from Federal University Dutse, Jigawa State with a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.88. To people, this is a jaw-dropping feat that anybody should be proud of, but for this fine-looking graduate of Agricultural Science, his real achievement is the network of friends and family that came far and wide to celebrate with him during his convocation and of course, wherever he finds himself. He’s eternally grateful to his parents, siblings, friends and teachers. Agono, who hails from Ugwalawo, in Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State got his primary and secondary education in Ajaokuta, a steel city, located in the central part of Kogi State, Nigeria, where he was born and raised. For him, growing up in the city of Ajaokuta is a remarkable blessing. Even though

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Ajaokuta city does not flow with milk and honey, the city did inculcate in him a virtue that secretes hard work, resilience, determination. These values are constant reminders that anything worth doing at all, is worth done well. The decision to study in Jigawa State was one of those fated deeds that he repudiated at the beginning, but his parents, being believers of fate and destiny, they asked him to embrace it and he did without much hesitation. The young Agono set out to an unknown land, having one goal at heart: doing what he was sent to do and doing it well. In the beginning, all he wanted to do was to study well; he never envisioned the idea of graduating with a first class. Agono shared the following secrets of graduating with first class. God! He is Supreme. His choices are perfect. Accept God’s choices

EDUCATION to read and do not compromise any of these; for all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. Believe in yourself Our abilities are often limited by the way we perceive ourselves. Overcome that limiting thought. You are an eagle and you have the choice of choosing how high your horizon should be. Always keep your eyes on the ball. You will be distracted, you will lose interest, you will face critics, you will hear awful things about yourself and it might seem like it’s the end. But never stop when you are tired, stop when you are done! Do not hold grudges; convert your challenges into fuel for powering your growth. Remember, “Nobody gives you a chance, you have to take chances”. Review, review, review! Constantly assess and score yourself based on your own personal criteria for improvement. Do not try to change who you are, just create a better version of you. Be like an android app developer; use people’s ill reviews as a map to betterment. But be careful not to become a people-pleaser in the process. You will amount to nothing on the long-run if you do that. Awwal Yasin Agono being honoured by Professor Fatima Batul Mukhtar, Vice Chancellor, Federal University, Dutse during convocation in your life and enjoy His blessings and guidance. You are God’s first blessing to you. Discover yourself and be at peace with every element that defines your existence. It is heartbreaking whenever I see Igala youths, especially the ones in northern Nigeria who do not identify themselves as Igalas. How can you choose a profitable way of life and set your priorities if you don’t even accept who you are? Former American President, Barrack Obama was only able to defeat his opponents in the 2008 American presidential election because he accepted who he was and took his difference as a blessing. So, accept who you are and carve out a niche that best suits your person.

Be grateful to God Be grateful to God for what He has given you and what he has deprived you. Be grateful to your parents/guardians; your friends and Teachers. Celebrate others, I repeat, celebrate others. Be ready for every occasion, respect time, accept destiny and reject failure because it is never the destiny of anyone to fail. Motivation is like a bath, you have to renew it once it wears. Every new day is another chance. Take hold of it and achieve your potential.

Give people a reason to pray for you The prayers of others are usually sincere and hence, go a long way in shaping your life, either positively or negatively, especially the prayers of your parents. Be a better person! Help your mates with a tutorial, summary or solution to an assignment. They will never fail to be grateful, and your reward will come from the Almighty. Be at the right place at the right time doing the right thing Be at the lecture room when you should be, and listen religiously to the lecturer. Have fun. Let the university pass through you. I was also the Secretary General of Students Union Government for two terms, President of the Faculty Association, Deputy Commander, Man O’ War, Chairman, NAKOSS caretaker council (FUD Chapter), member, SUG Election Tribunal, Member, Library Service Committee and Chairman of several other students’ Committees. Pray when it’s time to pray, play when it’s time to play, read when it’s time

Awwal Yasin Agono and his father

Arise Igala-Issue 38

ADVERT

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ADVERT

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With the ARISE IGALA MAGAZINE, we were able to raise standard in print quality and content . the globe. Our kind of approach to gathering/presentation.in Igalaland and Igala Communities across issues, professionalism and consistency made many to believe in Developmental Journalism - a type of journalism that focuses on issues in ways to encourage development for the bene�t of the interest, people and community it represents. �en, 4 years later (in 2014) we launched the ARISE IGALA LEADERSHIP AWARDS/LECTURES an annual event designed to be holding in Abuja being the Federal Capital of Nigeria. We were very conscious of this from onset because of our primary objective of �Sailing �rough Culture To National Unity, Peace And Development�. And, since inception it has been holding in Sheraton Hotel & Towers, . th . Abuja. �is years edition being the 4 will take place on Saturday, May 20, 2017.

And now, 7 years on, RADIO ALAKU is �nally loading and hopefully will go live soon (between December, 2017 and February, 2018) by the grace of God Almighty who will be enabling the good people of Igala Kingdom and their friends to support this project with all their hearts being a community radio that will certainly pay the people in so many positive ways. �e community radio is powered by ARISE IGALA GRASSROOT SENSITIZATION INITIATIVE (CAC/IT/NO. 94508).

RADIO ALAKU will speak our language. It will speak directly to our people. It will pro�er solutions. �is community radio will keep Igala language alive with at least 85% usage on air as the o�cial language. �ough RADIO ALAKU is located in Anyigba, Kogi State, it will reach you wherever you are in the world and you too can reach it with the aid of TECHNOLOGIES. On this note, there shall be o�cial fund raising dinner on SUNDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2017. For updates, always visit our website at WWW.RADIOALAKU.COM . .

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ONOJA JAMES OKPANACHI

A l a RADIO k ALAKU u Chairman/CEO, .

Arise Igala-Issue 38

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