ARISE IGALA MAGAZINE - ISSUE 55

CHIEF EDWARD DAVID ONOJA Fasts, Prays For Igalaland DR. MRS. ENAPE VICTORIA Holds The Biggest Hammer To Nail Corruption In Nigeria CHIEF ONOJA JOSEPH AKOR Goes Home In Peace And Glory

ISSN: 2141-7423 ISSUE 55 NIG. N1000 USA $5.00 UK £5.00 MARCH-APRIL, 2020

LEADING WITH LOVE IN THE FIGHT AGAINSTCOVID-19 C E L E B R AT E

INSPIRE

CHALLENGE

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OCHOLI YUSUF

OKPANACHI DON PABLO

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OMA UFEDO ATA

FACE OF INIKPI

Full Name Adamu Ojochegbe Gladys Native Town Iboko, Ofu LGA Occupation Student/Entrepreneur Favourite Igala Food Igbala Like(s) Traveling and Reading Dislike(s) Dishonesty and Lies Igala Heroine/Role Model(s) Abigail Omonu Dream(s) for Igalaland Oneness and growth through helping each other Email adamuglady@gmail.com Mobile 0703 763 7253

PICTURE COUTESY

2019

INTERESTED IN THIS PAGE, CONTACT: E: ariseigala@gmail.com | M: +234 (0)0706 455 2909 ONOJA RUTH OJONE (MRS.) The Senior Vice President, Onoja Dreams Network Limited

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CHARITY

ELE-OJONE FOUNDATION WE THOUGHT YOU SHOULD KNOW WHAT WE HAVE BEEN ABOUT!

Statistics has proven that many women in our society are battling the challenge of infectious diseases. This has contributed to body discomfort to many and in cases where treatments don’t take place in good time, infertility becomes one the ugly results.

As hideous as the issue of infection is and the prevalence of it, findings have revealed that this can be managed with proper hygiene. In view of this, Ele-Ojone Foundation is on a mission to address this challenge by providing the necessary self-help care that the girl child can engage in keeping herself infection free.

At Ele-Ojone Foundation, we have prioritized the girl child in our campaign in providing information and hygiene materials. We believe that they will serve as our ambassadors, our torch-lights and spring boards; that will carry the message of infection free practices to their sisters, friends and other women in their lives.

Our strategic approach involves visiting these girls in their usual and comfortable habitat - schools, enlightening them on various infections, the dangers of such and how to protect themselves through proper hygiene. Our sensitization outreaches have witnessed life comforting impact as those who were infected have been treated while some are undergoing treatments. We also provide them sanitary pads and take them through the learning process of proper use, management and disposal of sanitary pads and other toiletries.

Measuring our impact as against our resources, we have done impressively well. However, more cases are cropping up daily, the needs are genuine and urgent, but our resources are thinning out.

We are therefore; appealing for your support. This is a worthy cause, looking at what we have achieved, irrespective of our lean resources, we believe that with you, we will do more.

We have need for Sanitary Towels, Dettol, Soaps, Pants, Tissues and Panty Liners.

You can support us this noble cause either by cash, needed items or by both.

Our Bank Account Details Below: Name: Ele-Ojone Hope and Benevolence world.

Number: 0476547271 Banker: GTB For Support/Donations/Partnership/Enquiries/Request? Please call: 08147278511 Join us to dignify the life and experiences of the Girl Child!!!

Thank You Yours sincerely, Eleojo Emmanuel Ekele Founder, Ele-ojone Foundation 4 ARISE IGALA-ISSUE 55

CHARITY

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2020 OFFICIAL ADVERT RATES IN ARISE IGALA MAGAZINE (ISSN: 2141-7423) Published by ONOJA DREAMS NETWORK LIMITED(RC 868974)

SPECIALS Inside Front Cover ----------- N450,000 Inside Back Cover ------------ N400,000 Back Cover ------------------- N950,000 Spread ------------------------N700,000 Front Cover Strip -------------N300,000

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Hotline: +234(0)803 698 0602 Email: ariseigala.sales@gmail.com 6 ARISE IGALA-ISSUE 55

IGALA NATIONAL

PRAYER CONFERENCE

21 DAYS OF FASTING AND PRAYING FOR

IGALALAND 54

CONTENTS ToGLORY

Late Chief

ONOJA JOSEPH AKOR (June 3, 1945 - April 17, 2020)

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LEADING WITH LOVE IN THE FIGHT AGAINST COVID - 19

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ROYAL QUOTE

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FROM THE ACHIVE

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PUBLISHER’S DESK

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INTERVIEW

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DISCLAIMER 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 IGALAare copyright of the magazine and may not be reproduced, copied or used in any form without written permission from the publisher

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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 Editor-At-Large Emmanuel Nathan Oguche Columnists Dr. Saidat Lami Hussein 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) 2010-2020 Onoja Dreams Network Limited. All Rights Reserved.

With SUPPORT from

ARISE IGALA GRASSROOT SENSITIZATION INITIATIVE (CAC/IT/NO 94508)

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.

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THE ROYAL QUOTE

HRM, DR. IDAKWO

AMEH OBONI II, JP ATA IGALA Agabaidu, Ata Igala and Chairman, Kogi State Council of Chiefs.

Just recently, precisely, on 19th May, 2018, we witnessed a historic rebirth of Ocho festival after 62 years of its needless proscription. The rebirth of Ocho festival is very symbolic. I believe strongly that Igala is now on the right path towards occupying her rightful place in Nigeria. This, we can achieve by coming together as one to form a formidable force. We are unbeatable, stronger and more fortifying when we speak in one voice. There is an undisputable strength in unity.

The quotation above is part of His Royal Majesty’s Message at the 5th Edition of the Prestigious ARISE IGALA Leadership Awards & Lectures at the Ladi Kwali Hall, Sheraton Hotel & Towers, Abuja on Saturday, May 26, 2018.

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FROM THE ARCHIVE

THROW BACK ONLY REMEMBERED

BY WHAT WE HAVE DONE

“If you would not be forgotten, as soon as you are dead and rotten; either write things worth reading, or do things worth writing.”

-Benjamin Franklin Late Prof. Francis S. Idachaba (R) Presenting A Prize To One Of The Distinguised Igala Graduates At The Igala Education Summit, 2012

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THE PUBLISHER’S DESK

ONOJA J. OKPANACHI PUBLISHER/CHIEF EDITOR

KEEP PUSHING…

W

hen it’s time to push, the delivery is just around the corner. Giving up at such critical time is at your own peril and the baby’s. So, push when you’ve come to the time. Don’t give up as the process is almost complete.

Living everyday offers one opportunities and seizing them or leaving them is purely a personal decision to be made.

However, whichever way one goes, life continues because time never stops but in constant motion to timelessness.

And, the difference between us all as we live is largely dependent on the vision we pursue, the purpose for which we live – this is no doubt why where one stops, is where another starts – what one abandons is what another is pursuing vigorously – the time you are rounding up a project is when another is preparing to start and so the circle continues and this is truly in another perspective the folly of the life we live. So it will be an act of arrogance for anyone to conclude in his mind that no one is like him or could be like him again because of the heights he may have attain – just remember, before you there were many and after you, many will still come – life is sure a circle and the living today can only be remembered when he is gone by what he did while living.

Taking an illustration from a pregnant woman from conception to delivery, three major stages can easily be figured out – The Conception, The Pregnancy and The Labour/Delivery.

The Conception – at this stage, there is the eagerness to venture. The exercise at this stage is very sweet.

There seems to be no challenge in life at all, as the ride is very interesting and all in the head here is the joy of the moment. Yes, imagine the moment you are all alone dreaming of that business venture, those lofty ideas – the only thing here is the beauty of what we are conceiving.

It’s extremely difficult to think of what this conception may lead to eventually – the time frame to delivery, what happens during the pregnancy wouldn’t border much at this point because of the power and emotions we put in here.

The Pregnancy – this stage is a very long journey and what happens here most times are beyond one’s control.

At this stage even one who enjoys the conception process with you could abandon you in some situations thinking that you are making up some of the challenges that comes with the pregnancy. In life ventures, after sharing your visions and you move into action to execute, even those who cheer you up at the initial stage could abandon you because they may not know that it will cost them giving you the much they do. Many obstacles would come one’s way that sometimes many abort the pregnancy – they couldn’t bear the pain and that ends journey of what would have been the birth of the best ever in the world.

At this stage, endurance, perseverance, patience and all characters that can make one stand firm to delivery are the most needed here.

The Labour/Delivery – This is the peak of it all. This stage can make or mar one. If one pushes ignoring all the pains that comes with the delivery then the baby will come but if one gives up, either the person or the baby dies or both will. If anything make you endure to this point in any venture in life, don’t ever contemplate giving up. I mean when in the pursuit of your dreams, the very purpose for which you live and the pains, betrayals, deceptions, set-ups and blackmails become much, just look back through the journey so far and know that the journey is about to come to an end so you don’t give up at this stage. If you do, chances are that you may never rise again.

On a personal note, this is my 10th year on the ARISE IGALA Project and it came to a point that it seems the whole world is coming to crash on me – the unimaginable happening even from supposed closed family, friends and associates but by the grace of God, I have gone through that fire and now I can see the refined me emerging. Still, the ARISE IGALA Television and the ARISE IGALA Connect will take off soon and only then will it be made known that the delivery took place successfully. So, I encourage you reading this never to give up. You too can make it.

Arise!

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ain g A r e h t a G l l ’ We

ARISE

IGAL A

me tay Ho

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S I Stay

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ometimes in 2019, the unique story of Ocholi Yusuf Okpanachi caught the attention of the ARISE IGALA Team and a story was done about it and this year again, as the unfortunate COVID-19 challenge raised its ugly head against mankind, the efforts of the young Ocholi came to light and the team hooked up with him for a brief chat.

Below is the brief chat with Ocholi Yusuf Okpanachi aka Don Pablo and thereafter, the touching story earlier published is returned for you our beloved reader so to get inspiration and encouragement about what the future holds in stock for everyone and that anyone can achieve success following the basic principles of life with God’s grace.

Can we meet you?

I’m Ocholi Yusuf Okpanachi. I’m a businessman from Ugwolawo, Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State.

What inspires the idea of “Wave of Success Foundation (WSF)” and how has the journey been so far?

Growing up on the street of Ajegunle and seeing people going to bed and waking up without hope and seeing people lacking basic things in life.

Tell is about your foundation’s reaction to the COVID-19 challenge and how it has defined your outreach in 2020.

Our foundation (WSF) was among the first to reach out to people when we got the news of COVID-19.

Initially we started with the students by sensitizing and educating them on preventive measures. Thereafter, we started going from community to community to reach out to everyone, and we successfully gave out hand

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sanitizers, face masks, handwashing buckets and food items to enable the people comply with the “Stay Home” directive from the Federal Ministry of Health and Nigeria Centre for Disease Control.

What would be your key COVID-19 message to the world, Nigerians and Kogites in particular?

Here’s my key message to the good people of Kogi State, Nigerians and the world at large, COVID-19 is real and we must protect ourselves by taking all preventive measures.

Going forward, what next should we be expecting from the Wave of Success Foundation this year, 2020?

From us at WSF, Face of Success Beauty Pageant is coming up in August (hopefully as COVID-19 gives way) and many other things that we hope time will reveal. Just keep watching out for us.

With the shaky start of 2020, is there hope for the people economically? What should be people’s approach to cope with the new reality?

With the way 2020 started and with the whole pandemic, I’m right to say there is going to be redistribution of wealth; we are going to have new set of millionaires and billionaires and the world economy will pick up again in due time.

This is Sallah, what’s your message to our Muslim brothers and sisters home and abroad?

May we be favoured to celebrate many more in good health, sound mind and absolute peace. I wish all our Muslim brothers and sisters Barka da Sallah!

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OCHOLI YUSUF OKPANACHI: DON PABLO IS A RARE GEM

By IDIBIA OJABO

O

choli Yusuf Okpanachi, popularly known as Don Pablo, is just a simple ordinary person whose existence has provided ten percent of what it takes to make it in life and with the other ninety percent, he has been able to face challenges and opportunities

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as he walks through the journey of life. He explores opportunities that come his way, overcome challenges to achieve the essential of his life in relationship to his Creator and his fellow man. He places positive idea in motion to change the life of diligent youths.

Through his business acumen and initiatives, he

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creates opportunities for the youth to be gainfully employed and unlock their hidden potentials.

With extraordinary speed, agility, sophisticated brainwork and uncanny ability, he turns almost any situation into a scoring opportunity for the advancement of society, particularly his people.

Unlike many of his contemporaries who found their ways to the top through opportunities created by others, Ocholi created his own paths through sheer hard work, diligence and sincerity.

His formative years imbued in him the ability to source and manage both human and material resources for the betterment of mankind. From

childhood, he showed signs of an achiever, evident only to those with foresight.

He had great dream to be educated and become qualified to play important roles in the development of Igalaland, Kogi state and Nigeria in general. He garnered his experiences by providing solutions to every challenge that confronts him and those with whom he daily interacts. With these rich experiences from diverse sources, Ocholi became inspired; inspired to do the unthinkable; inspired to create paths for others; inspired to make a difference ARISE IGALA-ISSUE 55

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in his time. As a child, he desired to help develop humanity; someway, somehow and someday. With determination and perseverance, he acquired skills and intellect that made him so unique when he eventually achieved his ambition.

The first born of a family of four children, a set of twin (boys) and a girl, Ocholi was born on August 14, 1988. His father, who was a local government staff, combined farming with his public service job to augment his meager salaries. His mother, who was a full time house wife, complemented her husband with her petty trading in agricultural produce. Ocholi had his nursery/primary school education at Success Academy Nursery/Primary School in Idah town. He was still in primary school when his father died in 2001 and two years after he completed his primary school education, his mother died in 2006. He left Idah for Lagos in 2007. In Lagos, he stayed with his uncle, Mr. Peter who was living in one room apartment with his family in Ajegunle. Times were really hard for his uncle but he was able to accommodate him.

His formative years in Ajegunle were really tough but it was the road map to his success in life. Thirsty for more education, Ocholi enrolled himself into Alakolo Senior High School, Tolu Complex in Ajegunle area. In a bid to pay his school fees, he did some menial jobs. He was a public toilet receptionist before he moved to car washing business and finally to Coca-Cola bottling company as supervisor overseeing off-loading and loading bottles of soft drinks at the depot. He later left CocaCola bottling company for Leventis where he was employed as a cleaner. He worked

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with Leventis for a very long time before he resigned his appointment and he enrolled himself in a computer training program.

The computer lesson was for six months.

After his training, he took up appointment as a cyber café manager before he left for ISFOP Benin University, Contonou for further studies.

While studying, Ocholi worked. He worked as a commission agent. He is fluent in French and Portuguese Languages. However, before he completed his studies, having made contacts, he was able to get some executive contracts based on his integrity and relationship with some prominent people he met within the country and outside the shore of the country. He got a breakthrough in his business and was established. On his return to the country, he established his own company and gave it the name ‘Waves of Minds Resources Limited.’

As his fortune soars in leaps and bounds, Ocholi sought a way to contribute to human and community developments as he established ‘Wave of Success Foundation’.

With the foundation, he reaches out to the less privileged, gives out scholarship to deserving candidates, registers those who want to acquire knowledge in trading, carries out medical outreach and caters for the aged, widows as well as orphans. Every Sallah cerebration the Foundation distributes food items amongst the Muslim community in selected areas in Igalaland. The same applies during Christmas celebration. He has been carrying out these charity works quietly and still desires to let it go on same way.

Ocholi never shies away from responsibilities, particularly if it is for the betterment and advancement of society. When funds were being raised for the publication of the biography of His Royal Majesty, Ata Igala,

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(Dr.) Michael Idakwo Ameh Oboni II, he was approached through a third party and he willingly paid for 400 copies of the book.

When other privileged ones act only to promote and protect self-interest, Ocholi, being a symbol of the new generation of Igala patriots, assists the poor and lifts them out of poverty. He does not want the status of poverty to remain the same or soars higher. He thus works for the benefit of his community, striving to provide for the weak, the poor, the underprivileged, the vulnerable and the orphans through his Foundation.

Ocholi Yusuf Okpanachi, a youngman of good heart, with generous intention of genteel education and amiable character, is a symbol of freedom and hope, not only to his immediate family but to all within his orbit.

A very modest and reserved person, he shies away from publicity; he rarely talks about himself. A solid player in both human and community development – the last man to be called upon when the roof over your head is razed down by fire and no one cares. He has been playing such roles with unparalleled skills and uncommon temerity. With a very orderly life, Don Pablo’s work revolves around community-based development. His humanitarian work nourishes those vital aspects of the community.

He is married to Mrs. Blessing Ocholi Okpanachi from Akwa Ibom State. They courted for three years before they got married in 2018. They had their traditional wedding in October and church wedding in December.

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ADVERT

...BEYOND RIDES

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The Mona Audu Foundation

PRINCE MUSTAPHA MONA AUDU Founder, The Mona Audu Foundation ARISE IGALA-ISSUE 55

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The Mona Audu Foundation

The Mona Audu Foundation

ANKPA SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT PLAN “ Building a Developed and Prosperous LGA”

ANKPA MAY 2020

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The Mona Audu Foundation

KOGI STATE

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY – PILOT PROGRAM [ANKPA] Ankpa located in the heart of Nigeria unfortunately epitomizes the socio-economic situation characterised by a people in extreme poverty surrounded by tremendous natural wealth. Its reality is a tragic incapacity to feed its people, support institutions, produce electricity, provide quality health facilities and educate its children.

This Sustainability Plan proposes a strategy to support The Dangote Group’s efforts in developing the communities in Ankpa where it does business, and to promote a beneficial relationship for both parties as it harnesses the needed resources for its operations. This plan will be anchored on creating a sound environment for sustainable development.

Development Action Plan VISION To propel several communities in Ankpa LGA towards economic prosperity, social organization and environmental sustainability, creating equal opportunity for all, and a citizenry that enjoys an improved quality of life.

GOAL Create wealth, generate employment and reduce poverty for all indigenes.

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The Mona Audu Foundation

Local Economic Development [LED] Principles This Sustainability Plan will use the following basic principles underlying the Local Economic Development: 1. LED will prioritize job creation, education and wealth creation to address the primary challenges of unemployment, illiteracy and poverty 2. LED will target previously disadvantaged and marginalized persons to allow them participate fully in the economic life of their community 3. LED will promote local ownership, community involvement, local leadership and joint decision making 4. LED will use local resources and maximize opportunities for development 5. LED will involve the integration of diverse economic initiatives in an allinclusive approach to local development 6. LED will be participatory in approach. It will involve the inclusion of different stakeholders so that all views, concerns and issues can be included in the planning process Local Economic Development [LED] Strategies The LED will focus on continual community improvement to enhance competitiveness, create jobs and improve incomes. With a holistic view of the social and economic challenges facing the community, the LED will take a multi pronged approach to tackle poverty that will address several underlying causative factors.

The specific objectives are to: 1. Boost agricultural productivity; 2. Promote off-farm rural enterprises; 3. Improve resident well being in the areas of education and physical activity; 4. Improve basic infrastructure: water and electricity supplies, communications, roads drainage, and health facilities.

EXECUTION The Sustainability Plan will be executed in terms of near term, mid term and long term objectives.

This will facilitate a focused and phased approach that addresses community needs at each execution phase while allowing for continual refinement of longer term objectives to enable incorporation of emerging needs. The plan will be implemented through the main actions described below.

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The Mona Audu Foundation

AGRICULTURE

Near Term zz Creation of a commercial crop farm A community based farm will be prioritised to help provide jobs for the youth and income for the residents in Ankpa; this will be located in an area at a reasonable distance from the mines to minimize impact of mining activities Agricultural inputs will be provided, including seeds, fertilizers, and small machinery The Mona Audu Foundation will promote the cultivation of improved higher yielding crop varieties and provide additional support for agricultural research and training zz Creation of livestock farms Farms for raising cattle, goats and sheep will be prioritized Mid Term zz Creation of fisheries Establishment of two fish hatchery complexes Construction of fish ponds in 3 villages Long Term zz Cash crops program Promote cultivation and production of Cashew, Cocoa, Coffee, Sesame and Palm Oil as cash crops

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The Mona Audu Foundation

OFF-FARM RURAL ENTERPRISES Near Term zz Creation of 2 cottage small scale industries Initial focus will be on food processing, examples include Palm Oil, Cassava and Cashew zz Establishment of new market spaces Creation of dedicated space for market activities will promote trade, income generation and positive interaction Mid Term zz Creation of additional cottage industries Goal would be to provide employment opportunities for 500 indigenes through 10 cottage industries; examples include carpentry and weaving Long Term zz Establishment of higher skilled labor enterprises As training and education programs mature, there will be a set of higher skilled labor that could be employed in more technical industries such as construction and information technology

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The Mona Audu Foundation

RESIDENT WELL BEING - EDUCATION

Near Term Providing every child the ability to complete primary and secondary education zz Upgrade school infrastructure and supplies Construction of new and refurbishment of existing classroom blocks for both primary and secondary education Provision of integral school supplies with a focus on improving computer literacy Implementation of solar to provide steady electricity zz Establishment of Scholarship program Scholarship programme to fund attendance of 10 indigenes in different educational institutions across the country/world Mid Term zz Establishment of training schools and skill acquisition centers Goal is to expand opportunities for vocational training and entrepreneurial development Learning hubs for skills such as welding, plumbing and tiling will be established RESIDENT WELL BEING - PHYSICAL ACTIVITY Providing facilities for sports and recreation Near Term zz Establishment of a football field/complex This will create a place for youth to congregate to engage in positive, healthy activity that will boost community morale Long Term ● Establishment of additional sports complexes, for example a gym and basketball courts.

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The Mona Audu Foundation

INFRASTRUCTURE Near Term zz Provide community with access to safe water ○Water contamination is pervasive; a continuous supply of safe drinking water is a pressing need ○Implement safe extraction and purification systems zz Establish effluent waste water pollution management system This goes hand in hand with safe water production to minimize contamination System should reduce amount of pollutant discharges into ground and surface water systems by industry and other non-domestic wastewater sources

Mid Term zz Improvement of local health services Construct new and/or refurbish local clinics; implement solar power Initiate new programs to target priority diseases like malaria, respiratory illness and reproductive health-related illnesses Establish an effective ambulance service Build up capacity of primary healthcare system to meet the needs of women and other vulnerable groups Long Term zz Improvement of roads, drainage and culverts Goal is to build new roads and repair existing ones using modern, lasting and affordable technology Options could include use of paving stones

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INTERVIEW

NAILING FRAUD IN NIGERIA:

Meet The Woman With The Biggest Hammer Dr. (Mrs.) Enape Victoria Ayishetu PhD Accounting, MSc Accounting, MBA, FCNA, FCTI, FFIA, FCPA, FCSA, CIPFATT ARISE IGALA-ISSUE 55

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INTERVIEW

Meet The Woman With The Biggest Hammer Dr. (Mrs.) Enape Victoria Ayishetu born into the royal family of Ochotogbo of Akpagidigbo on 21st August, 1970 at Akpagidigbo in Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State is gentle, intelligent, hardworking and very sensitive to issues. She is a polite and secrete achiever, a complete woman with very strong inner ability, a giver, a principled Igala Lady, a simple but delicate woman who does not accept defeat easily. She shares her experience with us (ARISE IGALA Magazine) on the journey towards establishing the Chartered Institute of Forensic and Investigative Professionals of Nigeria (CIFIPN).

She is a strong Nigerian woman, a proud Igala Lady determined to pioneer a professional body in Nigeria, and against many odds, the bill has since scaled through the two chambers of National Assembly (Senate and House of Representatives) through to the President of Federal Republic of Nigeria where the Bill is now waiting for a presidential assent.

Her doggedness in the pursuit of academic excellence remain a catalyst shooting her to the very apex of her chosen career, Accountancy. This quest has enabled her to obtain twenty-three professional qualifications within and outside this country. Enjoy excerpt of the chat below:

How has the journey been so far?

Well, as an anti-fraud organization that is saddled with the responsibility of providing skills for relevant professionals on the use of science and technology to prevent, detect and investigate fraud and also stop illicit financial flow in the country as it were, we don’t have friends. Because as you are aware, fraud and corruption have assumed very strategic position in this country. So, as many who are aware of what we are out to do are against us. And, as you are aware we have been facing challenges from lots of known professional bodies in Nigeria who said that our institute will not see the light of the day and especially the fact that I am a woman annoys so many and they desired that the dream die. It’s been a very tough time being the leader of this process of becoming of this peculiar body that has come to salvage our dear country from the deadly disease called fraud which has brought to the low where we are today.

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Would the story have been different if you were a man pioneering the establishment of this institution?

Really if it’s a man, it would have been different. The reason why this is happening is because of the wrong mentality of Nigerians.

And, in particular where we come from. I will give you a typical example – g o to the

National Assembly as a whole, have you ever seen a Kogi woman amongst them?

No. This is because we hold onto very wrong opinions about where the place of a woman should be. We know we are being attacked by professional bodies but the key actors hiding behind are Kogites and even the Igala (my own kindred) …

CUTS IN – Igala?

Yes, they are the ones. Because to them a woman should not assume such position in the society. While others are saying why is it coming from this state, this zone, the Igala amongst them are saying why a woman?

And, for this reason they combine force to fight their own sister who is championing a course for the good of the nation. It’s been a terrible experience so far. My life under serious threat and only God that’s keeping me so far.

But don’t you think this a reversal because Igala respect their women when it comes to championing courses. History have records of them even in war times. So, what do you think could be wrong this time?

Yes, there were many of them in our history though the likes of Princess Inikpi were sacrificed and can’t be said they led.

However, we have the likes of Ebulejonu who actually led but the unfortunate reality today is that there is a conscious gang up against the women particularly in politics – they suppress anyone ARISE IGALA-ISSUE 55

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INTERVIEW

men that were with me never gave on me and the vision. They keep pushing forward and never allow to look back. So, each Now, this is a challenge. Do you think is time we score a goal, they come together and we all celebrate as a team. So, I will surmountable?

Yes. It is surmountable. What we really say women need encouragement from need to do together is to combine forces the male folks each time they embark on in educating our men about gender issues. projects particularly such that may look very Let them know that the world has gone adventurous for women. With encourage beyond the boundary of what is of woman lots of women can come onboard and the to do and not to do as it regards leadership, exploits will be very great. administration, science & technology, As we speak, the bill for establishing politics amongst many other fields – today, the Chartered Institute of Forensic and it has become about what field a woman Investigative Professionals of Nigeria (CIFIPN) has successfully scaled choses and the society (men in through the two chambers particular) should support of National Assembly instead of pulling down Because (Senate and House the woman. to them a of Representatives) The Holy Bible and has been refers to women woman should not transmitted to as weaker vessel assume such position the President of in the light that in the society.

Federal Republic they need the While others are saying of Nigeria for support of men why is it coming from presidential who the same assent. Thanks to Bible recognize this state, this zone, the team work for the as the head. If Igala amongst them good of our dear women go through are saying why a nation, Nigeria. the same training woman?

This bill when signed with men in schools into law will help in saving and graduate after all, the nation lots of money which then they can do what they will be converted to infrastructural are trained for like the men. For instance, I am a chartered accountant, a development and creation of jobs. The tool forensic professional and a PhD holder in to doing the magic of anti-corruption is this Accounting (by the grace of God) – my PhD bill – to establish the Chartered Institute of is not different from the one offered men. Forensic and Investigative Professionals of So, if we intensify the education we will Nigeria. make progress.

So, there is hope after all?

Okay, so, what kind of support would you Sure, there is hope as we are here to save Nigeria from the pang of fraud and want for the women?

I will use my struggle as a reference here corruption.

- since 2014 that I started this journey, the that tries to show up – count them – they are uncountable (laughs) …

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GLORY

ONOJA JOSEPH AKOR ARISE IGALA-ISSUE 55

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1967 in Kano State with his lovely wife

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TRANSITION TO GLORY

ONOJA JOSEPH AKOR

GOES HOME

C

hief Onoja Joseph Akor was a selfless individual dedicated to the development of the people around him and very passionate about any project and venture that were for the advancement of the people. He was a practical fellow who always stood for truth and for this he was well known and cherished among his people.

Born in the 1940s (though no exact date was kept at the time of his birth but from records, June 3, 1945 was arrived at as his Date of Birth) to the family of Onoja Ema, a great hunter and farmer of repute.

Chief Onoja Joseph Akor led a great life as a community leader. He was married to Late Deaconess Paulina Joseph Akor (nee Itodo Abbas) and their union was blessed with children; Alaji (Moses), Enechojo, Ojoarome (Cecilia), Okpanachi (the Publisher of ARISE IGALA Magazine), Onuche, Omachile and Olubojo (Grace) & Ufedojo (Blessing) – the last two being twins.

Late Chief Onoja Joseph Akor is from the Emoriko Community (Family) in Ogugu and this is his genealogy: He was born to Onoja (Onoja’s brothers were Ochani, Ekpa, Abu and Itodo – Itodo was the famous “Ada Mathew” of Adupi Emoriko who gave birth to Capt. Sunday Mathew the father of Dr. Ahmed Attah Itodo); Onoja was born to Ema (full name is Emaojo. His brothers were Igba, Abu and Ekele – Igba was the father of Benjamin and Clement of Onicha Igo, Abu gave birth to Jonathan and Jonathan gave birth to Dr. Sunday Musa); Ema was born to

Ogidi and Ogidi was born to Igba (Igba’s brothers from the same mother, Eburede were Oche, Ohiemi and Ekpiyo who together formed the current “Emeburede lineage” in the “Emameh Clan” of AdupiEmoriko); Igba was born to Ameh (the famous Odogojigi – Businessman and great traveller who was meant to be the Ochogwu of Oguguland before history made the change); Ameh Odogojigi was born to Idoko by Oriko alongside his other brothers; Obekpa and Omadewu whom together formed Emoriko hence the three major Clans in Adupi-Emoriko – Emobekpa, Emameh and Emomadewu; Idoko was born to Obekpa (Obekpa’s brothers were Onoja and Onoji – the three of them formed the main clans in Ogugu as the direct descendants of Okwatobida); Obekpa was born to Okwatobida who is the progenitor of Ogugu People – Okwatobida had an uncle, Odu with whom Oguguland was birthed.

Okwatobida was son of Ayegba; Ayegba Om’Idoko. So, late Chief Onoja Joseph Akor’s geneology in summary runs thus: Akor-Onoja-Ema-Ogidi-Igba-AmehIdoko-Obekpa-Okwatobida-AyegbaIdoko.

Late Chief Onoja Joseph Akor gave up the ghost at exactly 4:40pm on Friday, April 17, 2020 and his body was laid to rest by 12:14pm on Thursday, April 30, 2020 in his compound at Adupi-Emoriko, Ogugu, Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi State. May his gentle soul of rest in peace haven led a sacrificial life – amen!

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TRANSITION TO GLORY

January, 2010 in his compound at Adupi-Emoriko after his wife’s burial with some of his children

With his lovely wife

With Dr. Sunday musa to his left during a medical trip to abu teaching hospital, shika in 2010

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With his immediate younger brother, warrant officer Onoja Alaji (rtd.) on the right

With the last of his children, the twins - grace and blessing

TRANSITION TO GLORY

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TRANSITION TO GLORY REMEMBRANCE

The body arrives home for christian wake keep, service of songs and interment thereafter

The pastor of United Evangelical Church recieves the body

The pastor of Faith Gospel Centre prays after the body was received

The twins, grace and blessing welcome their late father’s body home for interment

The pastor of United Evangelical Church (UEC) on suit leading the service of songs at the residence of late Chief Akor

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TRANSITION INVESTITURE TO GLORY

Late Chief Onoja Joseph Akor’s body out for the funeral service

Alaji moses akor onoja addressing the people at his father’s funeral service

The pastor of United Evangelical Church (UEC) on suit coordinating the funeral service at the residence of late Chief Akor

Wo Onoja Alaji (rtd.), Late Akor’s immediate younger brother addressing the people at his brother’s funeral service

Some of late Chief Akor’s children at the funeral service - 2nd from right Onoja J. Okpanachi, publisher of Arise Igala

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TRANSITION INVESTITURETO GLORY

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Some of the children; L-R; Onuche, Ufedojo, Okpanachi and Olubojo

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Onoja J. Okpanachi (l) and his elder brother, Mr. Alaji Moses Akor Onoja

L-R; Mr. Emma Edibo, Hon. Emma Idenyi (Perm. Sec., Min. of Agric. Kogi State) and Onoja J. Okpanachi

Some members of Igala leadership forum with Onoja in the middle as he buries his father

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L-R; Uncle Ejikelu, Onoja J. Okpanachi and Mr. Thankgod Onoja

Mr. Agada Baba Agbo, a very close brother and good friend to the family of late Chief Onoja Joseph Akor

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L-R; Uncle Ejikelu, Pharm. Ojochide Aduku, Onoja, Dr. Moses Alidu abu And

Onoja duniya (l), Late Chief Akor’s nephew reprensenting his siblings at the funeral service

Mrs. Onoja Ladi (m), late Chief Akor’s niece representing her siblings at the funeral

Sunday Idoko (2nd left, standing), late Chief Akor’s nephew representing his siblings. On red tops; angela and rose

L-R; mr. Enejo, hon. Emma idenyi, Onoja J. Okpanachi, Mr. Francis and Mr. Gabriel

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Elder Atabo on the mic interpreting for Hon. Adaji (M) one of late Chief Akor’s relations

TRANSITION TO GLORY

Mr. Thomas Onoja (r), praying for the family of late Chief Onoja Joseph Akor during the funeral service

Mwo Joel (rtd-middle standing close to Elder Atabo), close friend of late Chief Onoja Joseph Akor addressing the people

L-R; Arc. Stephen Ejiga, Onoja J. Okpanachi and Monday Ejiga

L-R; Hon. Thankgod, Hon. Idenyi (Perm Sec,Min. of Agric, Kg), Mr. S. Onoja, Onoja J. Okpanachi, Mr. Francis & Mr. Onoja

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PRAYER CONFERENCE

IGALA NATIONAL

PRAYER CONFERENCE

21 DAYS OF FASTING AND PRAYING FOR

IGALALAND

T

he Igala National Prayer Conference (INPC) has become an integral part of Igalaland’s seekers of peace and unity and growing as a formidable force through fasting, prayers and charities.

The convener, Dr. Alidu Moses Abu is one pure Igala soul devoid of discrimination and undue classification of men as some in his status would – he embraces all and preaches peace and unity all the time which remain his core drive till date.

He went against the norm from the very beginning as he brings in many sons and daughters of Igalaland to a meeting point to pray for the land irrespective of religion. He went further to establish Garden Of The Lord Prayer House, Ojuwo, Anyigba in Dekina Local Government. The prayer house is today the headquarters of the INPC’s activities. Dr. Moses is known and respected for his firm believe in truth and he is doing everything in his capacity (through prayers in particular) to see Igala sons and daughters in peace and unity.

In 2019, Dr. Moses and the INPC Team conferred on His Excellency,

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Chief Edward David Onoja, the Deputy Governor of Kogi State patronship of the prayer movement in view of the Deputy Governor’s firm believe in prayers which he has consistently demonstrated in all his activities since he breakthrough into the state’s politics – records also showed that spirituality and strong faith in God is one of the major characters that stands Chief Edward David Onoja out even before his break in politics. Hence, being conferred a patron of INPC is indeed an acknowledgment of his faith in God and so to encourage other leaders too to turn to God Almighty in all their dealings.

So, at the 2020 INPC Special Fasting and Prayer programme which lasted for 21 days (March 1 – 21), the prayer believing Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Chief Edward David Onoja participated in the spiritual exercise and was physically present on the last day of the event where intercessory prayers were jointly made for the entire Igalaland, her people home and abroad and by extension Kogi state and Nigeria at large.

PRAYER CONFERENCE

H.E, Chief Edward Onoja during praise and worship at the INPC 2020 Fasting and Prayer Conference

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HE, Chief Edward Onoja prays

The Convener, Dr. Alidu Moses Abu delivering the word of God

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HE, Chief Edward Onoja speaks

The INPC special choir

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HE, Chief Edward Onoja gives hope

L-R; Dr. Alidu Moses Abu and Hrh, Ogohi Anyigba

The audience at the INPC fasting and prayer conference 2020

HRH, Ejeh Olamaboro speaking at the INPC fasting and prayer programme

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A symbolic representation of Igalaland

PRAYER CONFERENCE

Intercessory prayers for Igalaland at the INPC fasting and prayers programme

Oil of gladness and renewal of Igalaland being poured on the symbolic representatives of Igalaland

The audinece in a clear social distancing manner during the prayers at the programme

Pastor Benjamin Obaka

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