ARISE IGALA MAGAZINE - ISSUE 46

PROF. SEIDU O. MOHAMMED DONATES RELIEF MATERIALS TO IDPs IN LOKOJA, KOGI STATE

CHIEF OGWU J. ONOJA, SAN

ISSN: 2141-7423 ISSUE 46 NIG. N1000 USA $10.00 UK 5.00 SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER, 2018

GBOKEKE SANI OGU

40TH DAY PRAYER OF THE PEOPLE’S MAN

INSIDE MAMA ZAINAB ABDULLAHI’S

40TH DAY PRAYER

C E L E B R AT E

INSPIRE

CHALLENGE

ARISE IGALA-ISSUE 46

1

ADVERT

2

ARISE IGALA-ISSUE 46

OMA UFEDO ATA

FACE OF INIKPI

SPECIAL This is a special EDITION of the captivating Face of Inikpi with focus on the royal beauty of Igala Kingdom who just got hooked to her lovely husband, Michael. PRINCESS AJANIGO IYE AMEH OBONI is the only daughter of HRM, DR. IDAKWO AMEH OBONI II, JP. May God Almighty bless her new home and make her a great role model to many souls.

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

ARISE IGALA-ISSUE 46

3

2018 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 -------------------------------------------------------- N650,000 Spread ------------------------------------------------------------- N700,000 Front Cover Strip -------------------------------------------------- N300,000

REGULARS Full Page ---------------------------------------------------------- N250,000 Half Page ---------------------------------------------------------- N200,000 Quarter Page ------------------------------------------------------ N150,000

EVENTS Within Kogi State & Abuja ----------------- N150,000 per page Outside Kogi State & Abuja ---------------- N150,000 Per page + Cost of Logistics

SPECIAL PROJECTS Negotiable Note: - The cost of two colours is minus 15% of original cost and Black & White is minus 25% of original cost.

- All charges attracts 5% VAT and Political Ads/Events attract 15% extra charges.

BASIC CIRCULATION AREAS Kogi, Abuja, Lagos, Benue, Nasarawa, Kaduna, Port Harcourt, Delta, and Kano.

Also, direct delivery services are available to individuals, associations, groups nationwide and across the globe plus 24/7 online and social media services/ activities.

Hotline: +234(0)803 698 0602 Email: ariseigala.sales@gmail.com

4

ARISE IGALA-ISSUE 46

GBOKEKE SANI OGU

40TH DAY PRAYER OF THE PEOPLE’S MAN 11

CONTENTS

REGULARS

PROF. SEIDU ONAILO MOHAMMED DONATES RELIEF MATERIALS TO IDPS IN LOKOJA, KOGI STATE

ROYAL WEDDING OF PRINCESS AJANIGO IYE AMEH OBONI

MAMA ZAINAB ABDULLAHI’S 40TH DAY PRAYER IN ANYIGBA

26

30

45

FACE OF INIKPI

3

ROYAL QUOTE

7

FROM THE ARCHIVE

8

PUBLISHER’S DESK

9

EDITORIAL

10

ENTERAINMENT

28

BOOK REVIEW

56

IGALA KITCHEN

58

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

ARISE IGALA-ISSUE 46

5

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 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) 2010-2018 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

6

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 46

THE ROYAL QUOTE

HRM, DR. IDAKWO

AMEH OBONI II, JP ATA IGALA

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

“For a long time, as a people, lack of peace and unity remain the bane of our development, progress and prosperity.

How can the Igala nation move forward without peace and unity? Answer to this question is one of the reasons why I applaud this initiative. Over the years, ARISE IGALA Leadership Awards & Lectures have become symbols of peace and unity in Igalaland.

The platform has brought and continues to bring illustrious sons and daughters together, irrespective of our political leanings, party affiliations, religious inclinations and geographical locations. This event is an example of how Igala should be; a land devoid of rancour, acrimony and divisiveness.”

The quotation above is part of His Royal Majesty’s Message at the 4th Edition of the Prestigious ARISE IGALA Leadership Awards & Lectures at the Ladi Kwali Hall, Sheraton Hotel & Towers, Abuja on Saturday, May 19, 2017.

ARISE IGALA-ISSUE 46

7

FROM THE ARCHIVE

FLASH BACK

FEW DAYS TO THE 2015 KOGI GUBERNATORIAL ELECTION L-R; Late SANI OGU (GBOKEKE), HON. JAMES ABIODUN FALEKE, Late PRINCE ABUBAKAR AUDU and ALHAJI JIBRIN ISAH (ECHOCHO) Today we are here, tomorrow we are no more. Life is truly all about what we have done. May our legacies be positive ones - Amen!!!

8

ARISE IGALA-ISSUE 46

THE PUBLISHER’S DESK

ONOJA J. OKPANACHI PUBLISHER/CHIEF EDITOR

BE THE champion today, go about winning all that you can. Conquer everywhere you step and be praised by all. Keep the exploits going even to unimaginable heights, break new grounds. You are fully in charge today, taking control of everything but for a time and the stories shall be written all in past tense because it is divinely appointed onto every man, his own time.

So, when the stories will be told in past tense and the pictures of your life will be clearly and boldly painted by the words of the livings, what will then be your true image? How would you appear to all when you are gone to the other side of existence?

What would happen when you are no longer in control of all the various Bank Accounts you keep today? How will all those monies and assets you struggled to acquire be managed when your signatures and approvals are no longer needed?

One more question - do you know that those “poor little church rats, the good for nothing almajiris, the abandoned drunks” in your village may the ones to prepare your last resting place? Well, I think you know but you just haven’t given it enough time to think how important they may be on that day when you will not be able to command them anymore or treat them as nobody.

Now, what is LIFE? Thousands of questions beckon and the answers

WHEN THE LAST BREATHE IS OFF AND TIME IS NO MORE… can only be provided now that you are reading this … Pause for some seconds … breathe down … who have you been to yourself and others? You can’t lie to yourself - let your conscience take control for once and make amends now that you can.

You can decide what life would be for your loved ones when you are no more with them. You can decide today what the society would remember you for when you finally take a bow. Only you can truly decide how the world would see you when you cross the finish line.

I won’t ask more question again but this - what names would you leave behind for your race? Many passed on hundreds and thousands of years ago but their name still ring bell and some just yesterday and people are struggling to remember them. So, the choice is yours but as for us on the ARISE IGALA Project, as we call on you to join us in “building our future”, we have our mind made up already. So, quickly do, now.

No more questions as I will stop at this point because of the limited space but the truth remains that the questions asked need genuine answers, may they be provided in your mind…

ARISE!

ARISE IGALA-ISSUE 46

9

EDITORIAL

LIVING FOREVER IS POSSIBLE! There are a lot of human beings who are interested in living forever, but death remains one of the greatest enemies standing against the realization of this desire. From time immemorial therefore, human beings have always strived to defy death. Medical experts and scientists work hard to device means of elongating human existence. Through genetic engineering, vital body organs can be replaced with new parts or reverse the ageing of cells. Despite these efforts, immortality continues to elude humanity. This painful reality has made death a sure encounter for all humans.

The inevitability of death notwithstanding, there are those whose deeds and legacies have outlived them, thereby making mockery of death!! Death can only take the soul of a man and not his legacies, the reason why we say “living forever is a possibility!!!”

From pre-colonial era to modern generations of Igala history, there are those whose deeds will continue to spark applause and accolades whenever their names are mentioned. The name, Ata Ameh Oboni, father of the current Ata stands tall in the history of Ataship. He fought the colonialists who came to dislodge the Igala cherished cultural values and norms. Although he is no more, he is highly revered till date.

Professor Francis Suleiman Idachaba was an erudite scholar and a philanthropist who believed in the efficacy of education as a tool for human capital development. He established the Igala Education Foundation in 2001 to address the deplorable conditions of education in Igalaland. Although he is no longer with us, his legacies will continue to reverberate from generations to generations.

Another personality to be reckoned with is Prince Abubakar Audu. He won the election of December, 1991 and was sworn in on 2nd January, 1992 as the first executive governor of Kogi State. It was in this capacity that he transformed the infrastructural landscape of Kogi State within the 22 months lifespan of that administration, which was abruptly terminated by military intervention. In his second coming, he established Kogi State University, Anyigba, an establishment that remains the most important investment of the state government till date. The Prince of the Niger is no longer here with us but the University remains.

Also, Hon. Sani Ogu (Gbokeke) was a civil servant who later became one of the strongest voices within the political firmament of the state. Through sheer hard work, sincerity and commitment to doing what is good, he became one of the most influential politicians of his time. Although Gbokeke has transited to the great beyond, he is fondly remembered by the beautiful legacies he left behind.

Among the living who will continue to be with us is Chief Ogwu James Onoja, SAN (Agenyi Ata Igala). This legal luminary of note can be described as the cypress among pliant shrubs. He has empowered many sons and daughters of Igalaland and Nigerians in general, giving their lives a meaning and ameliorated the plight of rural dwellers through road rehabilitations. Recently, he demonstrated love and passion for his community through the rehabilitation of Emenega-Emonoja-Odogomu-Ejule-Ofante road in Unyi Ogugu District, Olamaboro Local Government. Do you think people will ever forget him?

Here is the question: Can human beings live forever? Yes, we can. Although we may not be able to achieve biologically, we can, socially. Ata Ameh Oboni achieved it. Professor F.S Idachaba, Prince Abubakar Audu and Chief Sani Ogu also achieved it. You and I can, only if we can make our inherited world better than we met it. Let’s rise against all challenges and recreate our world.

ARISE...

Nathan Oguche Emmanuel Founding Managing Editor/Editor-At-Large GSM: +234(0)7034242495 Email: emmnatslinks@gmail.com

10

ARISE IGALA-ISSUE 46

GBOKEKE COVER STORY

SANI OGU

40TH DAY PRAYER OF THE PEOPLE’S MAN

AT THE 40th Day Prayer of Late Hon. Sani Ogu which took place on Saturday, September 22, 2018 at his country home, Idah, Kogi State, many illustrious sons and daughters of Igalaland turned up to honour the late grassroots politician and an elderstatesman while they also prayed for his soul. The gathering cut across political divide, religion et al because of the kind of life he led. Below is a brief biography of the late elder-statesman, enjoy.

Hon. Sani Ogu was born on the 6th of June, 1946 into the royal family of Pa Odekina Ogu

of Ukwaja, Idah Local Government Area of Kogi State. Pa Odekina Okpagbeli Ogu until his demise was the Onede Attah Igala (Traditional Mother of Attah Igala).

EDUCATION Native Authority Junior Primary School, Idah 1954-1957 Native Authority Senior Primary School, Ofugo, Ankpa 1958-1960 Ochaja Secondary School, Ochaja 19611962 St. Augustine’s College, Kabba 1963-1965 Ahmadu Bello University College of Agric., ARISE IGALA-ISSUE 46

11

COVER STORY Kabba Campus 1966-1967 (National Diploma) Ahmadu Bello University College of Agric., Kabba Campus 1968-1979 (Higher National Diploma) Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON), Badagry, Lagos 1988-1989 (PostGraduate Diploma) University of Nigeria, Nsuka, Enugu State 2000-2002

State Chairman, Prince Governorship Campaign 2002.

WORKS

Member, State Strategies Committee for Capt. Idris Wada Governorship Campaign Organization - 2011.

Appointed Executive Secretary, Kogi State Blue Print on Economic Development under the Chairmanship of HRH, Alhaji (Dr.) Ado Ibrahim, The Ohinoyi of Ebira Land by His Excellency, Prince Abubakar Audu - 19921993.

Appointed Director General, Kogi State Ministry of Finance and Economic Development by His Excellency, Prince Abubakar Audu - 1993-1994.

Appointed Executive Chairman, Kogi State Teaching Service Commission by His Excellency, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris - 2008-2009.

Appointed State Chairman, Adult Education and Non Formal Education (AANFE) by His Excellency Capt. Idris Wada 2013-2015.

Appointed Member, Kogi State Development Programme, Lokoja, State.

Land Kogi

He has over 25 years of meritorious civil service experience from the Benue State Civil Service. He voluntarily resigned as Head of Department, Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Idah Local Government in 1989.

POLITICS

Contested and won Kogi State House of Assembly election under UNCP (1997) but was truncated due to the death of General Sani Abacha.

12

ARISE IGALA-ISSUE 46

Abubakar Audu Organization -

State Chairman, General Buba Marwa Presidential Campaign Organization Kogi State - 2006.

State Chairman, AVM Saliu Atawodi Governorship Campaign Organization 2010.

Chairman, Transition Sub-Committee Campaign Issues and Promises - 2012.

on

UNIONISM Hon. Sani Ogu actively participated in the formation and running of different organizations as a student of Ahmadu Bello University College of Agriculture, Kabba Campus. He was a prominent member of those associations. He was a Student Union Government President in his time at the institution.

While in the civil service of Benue State, he was a prominent member of NULGE. For over three years, Hon.Sani Ogu was the chairman of NULGE in the Old Idah Local Government Council now comprising of Idah, Igalamela-Odolu, Ibaji and Ofu Local Government Areas.

EMPOWERMENT It is on record that Hon. Sani Ogu’s empowerment and human development initiatives in the various level of governments he served is tremendous and a record to beat in the annal of human development in the area in recent times.

As Head of Department, Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources in different Local Government Areas of Benue State, Hon. Sani Ogu employed hundreds of skilled and unskilled labour into the Local

COVER STORY Government Service.

As Executive Chairman of Kogi State Local Government Service Commission and Executive Chairman, Kogi State Teaching Service Commission, it is also on record the he influenced and facilitated thousands of employees into the state and local governments services.

Hon.Sani Ogu, a very formidable political leader of our time was highly detribalized

and a promoter of religious harmony. He was a consummate team player and a believer of youths in leadership position.

Hon. Sani Ogu was a devout Muslim and a respected political colossus. He was a popular grassroots politician of note. He was honest and transparent all through his civil service and political life. He was a well known philanthropist with track records of achievements.

Mrs. Billy Abdullahi Smith (middle), the eldest child of Hon. Sani Ogu testifying about her late father

In 1990, Hon. Sani Ogu, a dogged politician contested fro the Chairmanship of Idah Local Government Council under the platform of NRC against his bossom friend and classmate, late Dr. Steven Achema of SDP. This marked the beginning of his sojourn in the politics of Kogi State and Nigeria.

Hon. Sani Ogu was a founding member of the following political parties in his lifetime; NRC, UNCP, APP, ANPP, and ACN where he was one of the Governorship Aspirants in 2007. Hon. Sani Ogu was a founding member of All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2013/2014. He was actively involved in the general election of 2015 that brought APC to

power at the national and state levels.

Hon. Sani Ogu bagged several awards and recognition from prestigious organizations such as NUJ, Institute of Business Management/Administration, NULGE, ALGON, NAKOSS, ISA and many others in view of his selfless and untiring contributions to the growth and development of his people.

For his enormous contributions to the growth of and development of Igala land, Kogi and Nigeria, HRM, Dr. Aliyu Obaje, the late Attah Igala bestowed on Hon. Sani Ogu the traditional title of AGBENE ATTAH of IGALA KINGDOM in 2003.

ARISE IGALA-ISSUE 46

13

COVER STORY

The Deputy Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency, Elder Simon Achuba addressing the people

L-R; Ikojo Sani (last boy), Arida Sani (first son), Mrs. Billy (fisrt daughter) and Safiya Sani (last daughter) 14

ARISE IGALA-ISSUE 46

COVER STORY

Capt. Idris Wada, the fmr Governor of Kogi state beign received by Sani Ogu’s sons, Hon. Salisu Sani Ogu and Mr. Igagwu Sani

HE, Elder Simon Achuba in a hearty talk with Dr. Victor Alewo Adoji as the former arrives the venue

HE, Elder Simon Achuba and the former Governor, Capt. Idris Wada receiving each in a very warm manner

L-R; Shuaibu Eneojo Sani, Hon. Salisu Sani Ogu (Comm. for Youths & Sports) and Mr. Abdulkadir Igagwu Sani ARISE IGALA-ISSUE 46

15

COVER STORY

The Honourable Commissioner for Agriclture, Kogi State, Hon. Toba (2nd from left) and Arida Sani Ogu (3rd from left)

Hon. Haruna Idoko Musa (State House Assembly - Idah, left) and Alhaji Kashim Imam (right) 16

ARISE IGALA-ISSUE 46

COVER STORY

Some special guests with Hon. Toba 4th from right and Hon. Abu Sule - Egbiti 2nd from right.

ARISE IGALA-ISSUE 46

17

COVER STORY

Dr. Victor Alewo Adoji exchanging pleasantries with late Sani Ogu’s inlaws from Delta State - home of his first wife.

Dr. Victor Alewo Adoji with Mrs. Billy Abdullahi Smith (nee Sani) as the former condoles her 18

ARISE IGALA-ISSUE 46

COVER STORY

L-R; Hon. Haruna Idoko Musa (HIM) and Onoja James Okpanachi exchanging pleasantries.

ARISE IGALA-ISSUE 46

19

COVER STORY

Special shot with His Excellency, Fmr. Governor of Kogi State, Capt Idris Wada - 2nd from left.

3rd from left, Hon. Arome Gabriel Adoji, Hon. Mohammed Awal and Hon.( Mrs.) Rosemary Osikoya - she is very distinguished in keeping to time 20

ARISE IGALA-ISSUE 46

COVER STORY

L-R; Abdulkadir Igagwu Sani, HE. Capt. Idris Ichalla Wada and Abdulrahman Ocholi Hassan

Hon. Salisu Sani Ogu (middle) with some of his uncles

L-R; Dr. Victor Alewo Adoji and HE, Capt. Idris Wada rubbing minds ARISE IGALA-ISSUE 46

21

COVER STORY

Arida Sani Ogu in a warm handshake with HE, Elder Simon Achuba, the Deputy Governor of Kogi State

22

ARISE IGALA-ISSUE 46

COVER STORY

ARISE IGALA-ISSUE 46

23

COVER STORY

24

ARISE IGALA-ISSUE 46

COVER STORY

ARISE IGALA-ISSUE 46

25

CHARITY

PROF. SEIDU ONAILO MOHAMMED DONATES RELIEF MATERIALS TO IDPS IN LOKOJA, KOGI STATE PROF. Seidu Onailo Muhammed, the Director General of National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), has donated relief materials to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Lokoja the Kogi state capital.

The relief materials were donated to victims of the flood in one of the designated internally displaced persons camps in the state. The flood painfully rendered many people homeless in the state thereby making most of them dependants of supports from governments and individuals with good heart. Some of the items donated by Prof. Seidu include food, toiletries, detergents, baby foods, clothings, drinks, medications among others. While donating the items, Prof.

Seidu sympathized with the victims and prayed that Almighty God will remedy the pathetic situation soon. He urged the victims to remain calm as the situation is temporal and the Federal Government of Nigeria is doing its best to bring succour to the people at this trying time.

26

ARISE IGALA-ISSUE 46

PROF. SEIDU O. MOHAMMED, DG, National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA)

Prof. Seidu who was represented

by Dr. Alidu Ibrahim, Director, Space Regulation and Special Duties also thanked President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, The Kogi state Governor Alhaji Yahaya Bello, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Boss Mustapha, the Management and staff of NEMA, KOSEMA, and other Government Agencies for their prompt responses to remedy the situation.

Responding to the gesture from Prof.

Seidu the Director General of NASRDA, the NEMA Representative who received the items on behalf of the flood victims, thanked him for his philanthropy and magnanimity which led him to provide relief for the victims. While thanking him for the humanitarian service, he prayed that God will reward him in multiple folds. The NEMA representative also used the opportunity to solicit for same assistance from other well-meaning Kogites and Nigerians just the way Prof.

Seidu has done.

CHARITY

ARISE IGALA-ISSUE 46

27

ENTERAINMENT

EkiAwards was established in 2009 by the EneNaija Media to recognize and reward all creative entertainers in Nigeria. The event designed as an annual ceremony features performances by established and promising artists.

The 2018 edition was the second and it was staged in the vibrant town of Anyigba at Anyigba Hotel on Saturday, September 22, 2018.

The EkiAwards in full is ‘EneNaija Konstant Industrial Awards’. The image of EkiAwards was created by Adamu Abdulrazaq Eneamone, the founder of the awards and casted by vanyards Print.

28

ARISE IGALA-ISSUE 46

This Year’s edition screened 112 entries successfully and the entries passed as nominees and eventually 40 was to grab the awards.

With the grace and favour of God Almighty, EneNaija Media Hope To Move EkiAwards to the highest level and serve as a means to connect entertainers from all corners of the world together so as to pave ways for entertainers (particularly the budding ones) to realise their dreams.

The awards ceremony serves as a motivational tool to keep the faith burning and push entertainers to be more creative and keep the entertainment cycle alive..

ENTERAINMENT

ARISE IGALA-ISSUE 46

29

The Royal Wedding of PRINCESS AJANIGO IYE AMEH OBONI THE NUMBER One family of Igala Kingdom gave out their daughter in marriage in accordance to the traditions of Igala on Saturday, July 28, 2018 at the Civic Centre, Ata Igala Palace, Idah, Kogi State. The palace was agog with lots of cultural displays and guests who came over to honour the royal invitation from His Royal Majesty, Agabaidu, Dr. Idakwo Michael Ameh Oboni II, JP, the Ata Igala and Chairman of Kogi State Council of Chiefs.

Princess Ajanigo Iye Ameh is the only daughter of the family and well loved by all because of her personality - she loves to see everyone around happy just like her mother, Iye Oja (Onyete), Deaconess Julie Agoyibo Ameh, the Queen. The princess Ajanigo’s personality is 30

ARISE IGALA-ISSUE 46

such a catchy one that meeting her in person even for the first time she will definitely leave you with a lasting positive impression reflecting what the true Igala upbringing is; she is INIKPI in words and actions - sacrifice is natural with her and that endears many to her.

The lucky one to take home the princess is another cool chap of Igala kingdom, Enegbani Michael Idoko Inah. The combination of these duo could be termed divine arrangement given their personalities. The United Evangelical Church, Utako, Abuja blessed their union in accordance to Christian rites and the royal reception took place at the International Conference Centre, Abuja.

L-R: Mrs. Elizabeth Onega Opaluwa, the Grandmother of Princess Ajanigo and mother of HRM, Iye Oja (right). At the Princess dedication, the Grandmother was the one who handed her over to the pastor and same thing she did at the princess wedding, coincidentally, at the same church, Utako, Abuja.

Sen. Dr. Amodu Ali, the Ochada Ata Igala addressing the gathering before cutting of the wedding cake. He was the Chairman of the Wedding. Also, he was the Chairman of the wedding of HRM, Dr. Idakwo Michael Amen Oboni and wife, the Princess Parent about 38 years ago, 24th December, 1980.

ARISE IGALA-ISSUE 46

31

ADVERT

The couple at their traditional wedding 32

ARISE IGALA-ISSUE 46

THE ROYAL WEDDING

Princess Ajanigo Iye Ameh

Princess Ajanigo Iye Ameh in her achi Igala ARISE IGALA-ISSUE 46

33

THE ROYAL WEDDING

Princess AJANIGO IYE AMEH in her achi Igala

Agabaidu and Iye Oja with the couple during their traditional wedding 34

ARISE IGALA-ISSUE 46

THE ROYAL WEDDING

Sen. Dr. Amodu Ali breaking and blessing the kolanut

HRM, Iye Oja (Onyete) arriving the reception ground

L-R; HRH, Ejeh Dekina, Dr. S.S. Ameh, SAN and Chief Arc. Gabriel Y. Aduku

Some Royal Fathers inside the church

ARISE IGALA-ISSUE 46

35

HRM, Iye Oja (Onyete), Deaconess Julie Agoyibo Ameh Oboni, the wife of Ata Igala in the middle

Some of the missionaries at Ika Mission inside the church

Dr. Gabriel Alhassan Ottah, Master of the Ceremony and Mr. Peter, the Palace Chief Protocol

The Honourable Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Prof. Stephen Ocheni (Middle) with some prominent sons of the land 36

ARISE IGALA-ISSUE 46

THE ROYAL WEDDING

HRM, Deaconess Julie Agoyibo Ameh, Iye Oja (Onyete)

At the traditional marrige as Agabaidu recieves royal greetings

HRM, Agabaidu (middle) with Sen. Dr. Amodu Ali (2nd right)

ARISE IGALA-ISSUE 46

37

THE ROYAL WEDDING

HRM, Dr. Idakwo Michael Ameh Oboni II matching her lovely daughter, Princess Ajanigo to the altar inside the church

Her Excellency, Hajia Halima Wada

38

ARISE IGALA-ISSUE 46

Mr. & Mrs. Michael Idoko Inah

THE ROYAL WEDDING

The couple with the Special Choir at their wedding

ARISE IGALA-ISSUE 46

39

THE ROYAL WEDDING

Prince Ocholi Ameh happy with her younger sister, Princess Ajanigo and the lovely husband, Mr. Michael Idoko Inah

Prince Ocholi Ameh Oboni (left) and Prince Amana Ameh

40

ARISE IGALA-ISSUE 46

LETTER OF APPRECIATION TO

CHIEF OGWU JAMES ONOJA, SAN

ARISE IGALA-ISSUE 46

41

LETTER OF APPRECIATION

42

ARISE IGALA-ISSUE 46

LETTER OF APPRECIATION

ARISE IGALA-ISSUE 46

43

LETTER OF APPRECIATION

44

ARISE IGALA-ISSUE 46

MAMA ZAINAB

ABDULLAHI’S

40TH DAY PRAYER IN ANYIGBA

SUNDAY, September 23, 2018 was a special day of prayer for Mama Zainab Abdullahi and so people really turned out en masse from all corners of Nigeria to pray for her soul.

Her sojourn here on earth was a remarkable one given her story of humble beginning but strong believe in a better future which pushed her to sacrificially give her best to her children and many that came her way.

The legacy of Mama Zainab is heavily present with us and will be living with us for a very long time as her off-springs

are already manifesting her kind of virtues and even more.

What we see in the life of Hajia Salamatu Baiwa (HSB) today, the National Women Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is a natural display of traits that flows from within as they are impartation from her parent with the grace of Almighty Allah.

Also, through Mama Zainab, we have today the current Deputy Speaker of Kogi State House Assembly, Hon. Hassan Abdullahi Baiwa and her other children adding values to the society. With great people

like these, and others that she fostered and catered for even spiritually, it was not a surprise then to see the calibre of people who came to pray for her soul on this 40th day since her transition to the great beyond.

In view of the current position which Hajia Salamatu Baiwa occupied, the WOMEN FOR BUHARI-OSINBAJO came in their numbers and even presented her with a special letter of condolence and they encouraged her to be very firm and and courageous to lead Nigerian women to greatness.

ARISE IGALA-ISSUE 46

45

ADVERT

MAMA ZAINAB ABDULLAHI’S 40TH DAY PRAYER

Hajia Salamatu Baiwa (m) in prayer mood for mama, Hon. Hassan Abdullahi Baiwa (l) and APC Chair, Kogi State next to him

Imams leading the 4oth Day Prayer for mama

46

ARISE IGALA-ISSUE 46

Hajia Salamatu Baiwa (HSB) receiving Gen. Patrick Akpa, The National Leader of Ukomu Igala Organization

MAMA ZAINAB ABDULLAHI’S 40TH DAY PRAYER

L-R; Amaka, HSB, Pastor Emma and Kelechi

L-R; APC Chair, Kogi State, Hajia Salamatu Baiwa and Alhaji Jibrin Isah - Echocho

Hajia Salamatu Baiwa and Hon. Alaji Alaji

Kogi APC Woman Leader (m) with Chief Hilary Amodu (r)

ARISE IGALA-ISSUE 46

47

MAMA ZAINAB ABDULLAHI’S 40TH DAY PRAYER

Hajia Salamatu Baiwa with some great women mobilizers

48

ARISE IGALA-ISSUE 46

MAMA ZAINAB ABDULLAHI’S 40TH DAY PRAYER

L-R; Chief Hilary Amodu, Hajia Salamatu Baiwa and DSP Abdul Siaka - Unit Commander, SPU NASS, Abuja

Hajia Salamatu Baiwa responding to quetsions from the press.

Hajia Slamatu Baiwa with some of the ‘women in avaiation’ members

ARISE IGALA-ISSUE 46

49

MAMA ZAINAB ABDULLAHI’S 40TH DAY PRAYER

Prophet Emmanuel (r) being welcomed by HRH, Ogohi, Onu Anyigba

Prophet Emmanuel (r) receiving a copy of ARISE IGALA Magazine from the Publisher, Onoja James Okpanachi (l)

Prophet Emmanuel (l) exchanging pleasantries with Alhaji Jibrin Isah - Echocho

Prophet Emmanuel (r) being welcomed by HRH, Ejeh Dekina

Prophet Emmanuel being welcomed by HRH, Onu Abocho

Prohet Emmanuel with Alhaji Jibrin Isah - Echocho having a one-on-one

50

ARISE IGALA-ISSUE 46

MAMA ZAINAB ABDULLAHI’S 40TH DAY PRAYER

L-R; Senator Dangana, General Patrick Akpa and Hon. Ina

Alhaji Jibrin Isah - Echocho (m), Chief Hilary Amodu (2nd right) and Hon. Ododo (right)

ARISE IGALA-ISSUE 46

51

MAMA ZAINAB ABDULLAHI’S 40TH DAY PRAYER

HRH, Ejeh of Dekina prays for the soul of mama

52

ARISE IGALA-ISSUE 46

MAMA ZAINAB ABDULLAHI’S 40TH DAY PRAYER

L-R; Hon. Ododo, Hon. Ina and Hon. Rabiu

Hajia Salamatu Baiwa with ‘women in aviation’

ARISE IGALA-ISSUE 46

53

MAMA ZAINAB ABDULLAHI’S 40TH DAY PRAYER

The Women for Buhari-Osinbajo Group presenting a Letter of Condolence to Hajia Salamatu Baiwa

54

ARISE IGALA-ISSUE 46

MAMA ZAINAB ABDULLAHI’S 40TH DAY PRAYER

ARISE IGALA-ISSUE 46

55

BOOK REVIEW

BOOK TITLE: ANE ‘GALA AUTHOR: Ocholi E. Odekina PUBLISHER: Odeking Media Limited YEAR OF PUBLICATION: 2014 REVIEWER: Barr. Joshua Igonor, Fmr. Chairman, Dekina Local Government, Kogi State.

THE ANE ‘gala, the Prophetic Angle hereinafter simply referred to as “the book” is a two hundred page book made up of eight chapters.

The foreword passes as a preview rather than a foreword in the proper sense of book writing. It attempts a summary of each chapter of the book after what we termed the biography of the author.

Between pages 8 and 9 we have long roll-call of those who contributed to the life-journey of the author thus far while pages 11-17 foray the introduction.

Chapter One Chapter one is more of the historical evolution of the Igala people of Nigeria in the political sphere within the pre and post-colonial era including the journeys that resulted in the partition of Igala nation between various protectorates and provinces where some Igala race were assimilated and never returned as part of Ane Igala till date. The importance of that revelation lies in the fact that if the entire Igala race was unified, our demographic impact would have been more promising than the 1963 census presented it. The author strongly calls for affinity amongst the stock that makes up the Igala nation as a matter of urgency. Recalling how various native authorities in Nigeria transmuted into States that have been further multiplied over the years; the author queries the factors that disqualified the Igala race, the second largest ethnic group in the middle belt, from having a state of their own.

The author wonders aloud, if Kogi State is Igala final homeland and asserts, on the basis of the scriptures that location determines the allocation of any individual or nation. He seems to be emphatic in saying no matter the level of reception asserted a pilgrim; he can never translate into an indigene.

Chapter Two Chapter two on ideologies is better left to individual assessment but a major food for thought. In this chapter, is the author’s query on why an average Igala person thinks more of himself than the corporate existence of the Igala nation. He recounts several selfish ideologies that tend to isolate and to protect personal interest even at the risk of nationhood, stressing that we cannot go far when we fight as individuals because humanity tends more toward cooperate wellbeing, than the success recorded by individual.

Chapter Three Chapter Three of the eight chapters is on what the author refers to as conformist culture wherewith he blames the Igala race attitude in tending towards cultures of those they interact with, rather than promote their own. The author laments this conformist tendency in all spheres of life including adaptation of foreign cultural practices to our own indigenous culture. The author tries to shift the blame on the whites but he is quick to query what we have done to change the attitude since the whites left our fate

56

ARISE IGALA-ISSUE 46

in our own h a n d s over fifty years ago.

Ocholi E. Odekina

Chapter Four Chapter four is quite a laborious one. Writing on “So Many Too Many” may be this chapter should be re-captioned as “the book of lamentation”. The line of complains against people in authority which the author centrally blames for the plight of the people is an endless one. He laments various forms of surrogates and coinages that virtually turn several youths into beggars from the wealth that supposed to be theirs legitimately. To the author, it is this evil that is accountable for untimely death of some of our political office holders.

May be such conclusion is aimed at giving a clean bill of performance to those who have not died including some of obviously corrupt politicians and civil servants in and outside Igalaland, is a matter for deep reflection.

Happily however, the author is quick in balancing up the blame by chiding with the Igala followership that compromise their rights only for some peanut advantage.

His view is predicated on Prov. 29v12 to the effect that “if a leader hearkens to lies, all his servants are wicked”.

Wondering that the leaders are not imported but from amongst us and as part of what we are made of, the author feel bewildered that the situation leaves more questions than we ever have answer for.

All the same, at the end, the author summoned the people to resist this ugly status quo physically, and ideologically. And, he calls on intercessors to invoke God’s Almightiness into this seemingly riddle that has taken the Igala nation hostage over the years.

Chapter Five Chapter five on the principle of leadership is deeply philosophical as it does not connect directly where the fault lies as between what the author calls the headship and the rest of the body- presenting man as a prototype of nations, the chapter canvasses God’s sole involvement in appointing leadership for lands, nations and tribes. He cautions against rebellion, against God’s appointed head and stresses the need to pray and intercede for it and indeed love the headship.

The author is elaborate in identifying Idah as the God appointed head of Igala land and concludes painfully that desecration of Idah could be responsible for the plight of the entire land. Incidentally, this conclusion is not drawn until chapter seven, pages 113-115 of these extremely important treaties to the Igala race.

Chapter Six Chapter six is another chapter on the part God plays in planning the status of each city and its place in the destiny of its inhabitants. The author frowns at any attempt to deface eternal and structural outlook of Idah in particular.

BOOK REVIEW With proper projection, the essence of this chapter is to re-emphasis that the place of occupation of Igala nation and its evolving scenario not being an accident, its so imperative to guard the landmarks zealously.

On the strength of this projection, one disturbing development in recent times is the re-coinage of Igalaland as Igala/Bassa land for cheap political patronage. If as the author projects, God gives lands to nations, people and tribes, it means there is a portion of land for which each tribe or people is known. From the account of this author, the Bassa race migrated to Igala land to escape the scourge of jihad and other ethnic clashes so as one wonders how such circumstantial cause for sojourning entitles Bassa people to such sphere of God-given land to the Igala race as to merit the Land being referred to as Igala-Bassa land. I have only posed this question without saying more, hoping to agitate the minds of readers to proffer a more forthright but conciliatory reaction.

Chapter seven Although this book consists of eight chapters but I consider chapter seven as the climax and at the same time, the hub around which this book revolves. Captioned, “prophetic reflections”; It forays the author’s memoires of prophetic revelations kept with painstaking devotion.

If you follow prophetic trend in Bible era and you can decode genuine ones from those in our contemporary world, you will agree with me that chapter seven of this book is built on nothing but the truth. As I read every line of this chapter, I came under increasing conviction that they were not made up but inspired and Heaven-orchestrated.

It is interesting that some of the revelations on the future of Igala land came to the author repeatedly thus emphasizing the irreversibility of their fulfilment. As Joseph told Pharaoh in Gen. 41:32 the revelations are repeated because they shall come to pass. The assurance is further strengthened by the fact that some of the prophesies in this book have been fulfilled, maybe without the knowledge of this author.

One of the prophecies in this book definitely relates to Kogi polities and APC governorship candidate in particular.

I wish anyone who has APC interest at heart would procure a copy of this book. If rating this book is part of my review then, I would rather commend and recommend it as a working document for every Igala person with vision for a greater Igala land. Indeed, this book is another prayer compass for every praying church or person that has interest of Igala nation at heart.

Chapter Eight Chapter eight, the last chapter of this book is on “glory part” insisting on the need to discard our penchant for preferring alien culture to our own Igala indigenous heritage. The author is so particular about Igala dressing code, our indigenous names and the need to harness the Igala people in diaspora, back to Igala commonwealth especially those that are now part of other states through political or demographic oversight.

At page 179 the author asserts that having played his role, it is now God’s turn to show commitment to His word.

But I stand in the shoe of an older prophet to declare that this author cannot resign the germane issues raised in this book to God too fast. In Gen, Joseph said similar thing but Pharaoh told him he carried exceptional spirit of a reformer and must therefore not be allowed to go.

The author calls on those who love the land to intercede but he forgets that in one of his visions, he said he saw himself praying with various churches. What this means is that the author needs to call a prayer rally for the land.

The place of prayer cannot be over emphasized. When in 1Kings 17:1 Elijah declared that there shall neither be rain nor due except according to his word, he did not retire

home in self-approval that he had played his part. Instead, James 5:17 says he followed up by his declaration with earnest prayer that it may not rain, it did not rain.

The author suggests the need to change our representations from armchair to more aggressive nationalists. As the author puts it: What the Igala nation has been doing, is to send her nobles to battles where nobility is not the rule of the game but the most agitated is expected to carry the goodies.

That is exactly the point. The nobles who purported to represent us have failed us. They failed us both under the military and in this democratic dispensation.

They sold us to tribes that are demographically inferior to us. They are yet to explain to us how our right hand neighbours were listed for state creation in the report of the national conference where nothing was said about the Igala people. They have not explained to us why Idah-Anyigba road has been abandoned over the years without a word. They have not told us what happened to the petroleum discovered in Ibaji several years before the people of Anambra ever thought of oil. They have not told us why Igala people have no minister in an administration that was championed by Igala sons and daughters. They have not told us why we have one or two board chairmen where our neighbours who are not up to our size boast of dozens of them. They have not told us what happened to the refinery that President Goodluck Jonathan promised us at the beginning of his administration. In fact, they have left us in the cold and in the dark.

Indeed, the central question that has not been answered is who is our leader in Igala land? Do we have any selfless man or woman we can call the compass, the hub, the rallying point that shows the way?

Look at the issue of Igala identity that the author extensively canvassed for example, it took the present Ata Igala to jettison Hausa attire from our traditional rulers. I am not called for this purpose but I venture into it because this kind of gathering for this kind of book is a rare one.

As I close, let me recall that I have written two books on the Igala stock and I know several authors in Igala like Mr. P E Okwoli, Yusuf Etu, Anthony Agali and several others but I must confess that the vision of this author is beyond all our own efforts thus far. His vision is real and transcends sentiment. I call on the churches in Idah to awake from their complacency and divisive bickering to rally round this author for a major intercession for Idah and Igalaland in general. As individuals, I encourage us to get copies of this book as our working document as intercessory materials so that history may not judge us wrongly or take us by surprise.

ARISE IGALA-ISSUE 46

57

IGALA KITCHEN With Dr. Saidat Lami Hussein

IJOLO

INGREDIENTS: Yam, Pepper, Salt, Maggi, Okpiye, Red Oil, Vegetables (optional), Cray fish and Dry fish Smoke fish (optional).

PROCEDURE: 1. Peel the yam and cut into your desirable size.

2. Put pot on fire with little amount of water, 3. Add all ingredients except vegetables.

4. Then allow it on fire until the yam is cooked and soft as desired.

5. Turn and taste for salt, if okay, 6. Add the vegetables (optional) and bring it down from the fire immediately.

7. Cover it to allow the vegetables to steam for about a minute then turn it again and serve.

IJOLO is ready to be eaten.

Prepared by Dr. Saidat Lami Photo by Onoja Ruth Ojone

...more info, contact; Dr. Saidat Lami Hussein on 08059456509 or send an email to ariseigala.opinion@gmail.com 58 ARISE IGALA-ISSUE 46

ADVERT

ARISE IGALA-ISSUE 46

59

60

ARISE IGALA-ISSUE 46