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ODU OGBALOTO

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THE CONSEQUENCES OF A

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ODU OGBALOTO: Wedding Set In Nature BEAUTIFUL PLACE, BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE

THE CONSEQUENCES OF A MYOPIC MAJORITY

CONTENTS

DR. OHIARE SANUSI:

BRIDGING THE GULF IN LEADERSHIP

SHUAIB ABUBAKAR AUDU TOUCHING LIVES DISCLAIMER

IHS Donates Over One Hundred Million Naira Worth Of Medical Equipment To General Hospital, Idah

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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ARISE IGALA-ISSUE 66

FROM THE ARCHIVE

THROW BACK TIME CHANGED YESTERDAY

Photo: Courtesy Timothee.

In 1963, at the revered Ata Igala Palace, Idah, His Excellency, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe state’s visit. This visit is one of many high profile visits to the kingdom from prominent leaders. Such visits in the past would always be to discuss key issues about the Igala Nation and Nigeria at large with the HRM, Ata Igala (Agabaidu) as a traditional leader held in very high esteem in view of our contributions and position in the formation of the country. So far, what has changed? And, what can we change to return the lost glory?

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THE PUBLISHER’S DESK

SOCIAL MEDIA AND IGALA PEOPLE:

ONOJA J. OKPANACHI

THE CURSE IN THE BLESSING

PUBLISHER/CHIEF EDITOR

ocial media is no doubt a blessing to human race as a major disruptive innovation of the era. It makes some of the benefits of internet to be well shared amongst the larger populations of the world to the extent that the world as a global village is truly today a reality. However, it came with so many negatives as well. But again, it depends the side chosen by individual user at a time. The benefits of social media are very crucial to the development of the society as it has given voices to many causes, projects and communities. It’s a major tool today for citizens journalism and community development. Through the exploration of social media, many have given life to their projects and communities to the benefit of their people. It’s a tool that can radically change the tide of situations and development in an unimaginable proportion. It has created multiple jobs as well and has equally enhanced many jobs and services. The creative use of social media has contributed positively to the society that its impact is very obvious in all nook and crannies of the globe today. Even traditional media leverage on it greatly to their advantage too. On the other way round, the negative use of social media has created to so many ills in the society as well. It has caused many collateral damages across the globe. Many of such damages usually occurs in irreversible manners that before the people involved realized they are on wrong paths the damages would have been done. This ugly side of the development is the reason some are calling for the regulation of it as it is unlike the traditional media where you have several gatekeepers and there are people to easily hold

responsible if things go wrong. Coming to the Igala people, the unfortunate side of the social media is what our people dwell on largely. Instead of holding onto the power therein, we use it as a means of witch hunting ourselves, exposing ourselves to the world in negative lights. The proliferation of social media platforms amongst the Igala people is terribly alarming as most of the platforms are more of duplications and are without clarity of purpose. The common thing is everyone is concerned about being the founder, admin et al. Most of the platforms, instead of advancing the cause of Igalaland and people as their names appear to be, they pull their own down thereby dragging the entire land in the mud. To the Igala nation, we seem to be reaping more of the curses of social media than the blessings as many of our youths would hide behind their keyboards to abuse and drag elders, their contemporaries (whom they perceive as competitions) and other laudable projects. This ugly development has made many to withdraw from so many engagements which would have been of great benefits to many. In fact, as a matter of urgency, we must consciously pull ourselves out of this trend as it portends danger for our future. We must decide to stop being “the news breakers” – we break news the wrong ways which always show that people are ready to spread only the negative news about their land and people. Very unfortunate but we can still rescue ourselves. Let’s rescue ourselves before its too late. ARISE!

ARISE IGALA-ISSUE 66

THE CONSEQUENCES OF A MYOPIC MAJORITY

JIBRIN SAMUEL OKUTEPA, SAN. 12 ARISE IGALA-ISSUE 66

COVER STORY

Jibrin Samuel Okutepa is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria. A legal luminary whose voice is very loud and clear on so many cardinal issues in our society today. He speaks and contributes constructively in manners that are helping to shape things to their appropriate sizes. The ARISE IGALA Team was with him at his Chambers (Eleojo Court, Abuja) on Friday, February 26, 2021 for an Exclusive Interview which he granted and it was educative and very deep as well as it exposes some of the fundamental challenges confronting the Igala Nation today and the possible solutions too. The interview was first recorded for ARISE IGALA Television but due to the very critical messages therein, the team decided to also reproduce it for print in this edition of ARISE IGALA Magazine. LET’S MEET YOU SIR First of all I want to say thank you for coming. My name is Jibrin Samuel Okutepa, I’m by the grace of God I’m a Lawyer, I’m a Senior Advocate of Nigeria {SAN} and I’m into private practice. I come from a Royal family of Ata Igala; my father is from Aju Akogwu ruling house while my mom is from Aju Ocholi ruling house of Ata Igala. So, in all dimension I come from those prestigious royal houses where the Igala people have given us privilege to lead them. So, Oma aj’ofe uche. WHAT CAN YOU SAY ABOUT THE IGALA OF 50, 60, 70 YEARS AGO AND THE IGALA OF TODAY? I think, (eehmmm) Igala seems to have lost their identity, identity in terms of our cultural backgrounds, in terms of our cultural values, in terms of our cultural orientations, in terms of our respects, in terms of the mysticism that that name invokes those days. We have surrendered wittily or unwittily whether our God given power and identity to what appears to be Western culture and civilization to the detriment of the rich culture and value of the Igala people. You do recall that from the time of Ayegba oma Idoko down to the period that His Royal Majesty had travelled on hunting expedition, Igala as a people were people who were respected worldwide and we had kingdom that was united,

we had a kingdom that the Europeans dreaded very much but shortly I think somewhere when we gained independence and there was an interference with our cultural norms and value and we have engaged in what I may refer to as the ‘the murky water of dirty politics’. Our traditional institutions gradually began to become less traditional and they began to copy some modes of dressings for instance that are completely alien to the Igala institution of traditional entity. And so, some of our clothes, some of our caps, some of our beads, the way our royal fathers used to dress and some of the things that were forbidden by our tradition not to do we began to engage in them. And that brought us to what I may refer to as the bee’s kingdom. The kingdom of the bees where we are so many but unfortunately, we cannot use the strength, the numerosity of that our strength to attract to ourselves what we need to attract to ourselves. Though we are many, we have suddenly found ourselves as the majority minority in an environment where we ought to dominate and because of our majority which with respect and I mean no insult was rooted in majority that is myopic, we did not foresee that time would come when decisions are to be based on what we refer to as senatorial district. If you look at the Igalas in Kogi State for instance, we pride ourselves as having largest numbers of Local Government attributed to

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L-R; JS Okutepa, San And Onoja J. Okpanachi, The Publisher Of Aris Eigala Magazine.

an ethnic group yet we have only one senatorial district compared to the people that we live it who are not as populous as we are. So, that’s where we start having diminishing returns of our voice, in terms of our representation and so on. So, when you ask those who were in government what have been their successor’s plan for the generation yet unborn? You can hardly find one but in other places in Nigeria politically for instance, there are people who are natural political leaders and they are king makers and they have visible achievements, pointing at some persons that they have allowed themselves to be used to be made either as Minister, as governor, as commissioner, permanent secretary and so on and so forth. But there is something that has seems to creep into our kingdom and that is that everybody wants to be a leader, no one wants to be king maker. If there is a vacant position for governorship for instance, all the Igalas wants to be a governor and no one want to step down for the other one. And so, this led to in-fighting within us and then there’s what I call “pull him down syndrome” and so the brotherhood that our forefathers exhibited where you find all Igalas in all parts of Igala land almost closely related in terms of either consanguinity or

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in terms of friendship seems to have disappeared. Our forefathers for instance, I recalled in those days our royal majesty Amed Oboni the 1st for instance do tour the Igala kingdom to visit the majority of our relations. In fact, the majority of us that comes from the royal family, you will see that if you go to Abejukolo Ife, if you go to Omala, you go to Olamaboro, you go to Ankpa in some interior places you either find Aju Akogwu or find Aju Ocholi or Aju Ameacho or you find Aju Akwumabi and others there, they are there. It is then belief that the entire land belongs to the Ata and so any of these persons from the royal family suit to it there and we were blending very well but unfortunately missed it when we began to make discrimination and begin to give ourselves names when somebody from Idah comes out to say that he is Igala Eju Ogba another will start giving themselves names, this one is Akpoto and so on and so forth. This seed of discord was sewn into us and today we have degenerated to a level now that we don’t even know who is really our leader in terms of who do we look up to when we call Okpanachi come, call Jibrin come, leave it for Okpanachi, Okpanachi you leave it for Jibrin no longer that leader that we can respect and the reason is very simple. When you have new brand plate and you start using it for purpose of packing

COVER STORY dirts, every other person from anywhere will assist you to use the plate in doing so. Igala seems to have constituted enemies to themselves and until we have a rethink, a real orientation, go back to our root we have not started. If we look at the social media you will see insults upon insults. Somebody has not even met you, don’t know you and go to social media and start speaking what he likes to speak about you. And you began to wonder what kind of Igalas are we breeding, where younger ones have no respect for senior ones, senior ones show no respect for themselves and so we suddenly had turn to a tribe that I call Isau that will now sell our birth right for just a pot of porridge, we need to look at it from that perspective. Now you will go to social media everybody is fighting for the interest of the Igalas and nobody is ready to fight for the interest of Igala as far as I’m concern, because this one will wake up few persons and create a platform and give himself this name, another one comes and give himself another name etc and so we belong to so many platforms fuel to supposedly for the advancement of the Igala kingdom and at the end of the day those are the platforms that are still used to bring down Igala kingdom. So, for me traditional rulers must return to their core values. A traditional ruler in terms of the way they dress, there is no Islamize or Christianize tradition. You are either a bird or you are animal, we can’t remain to be like Okotobo so we must sensitize our traditional rulers to dress to reflect our culture, to reflect our values, to reflect orientation, to reflect the deep root culture of Igala people, if you are the Onu {king} you must dress like the Onu, if you are an Eje you must dress like an Eje, then if you are the Ata of Igala then you must carry your Eju b’Eju Ailo and the normal dressing Otajiya and Ochachi and all those cultural Igala attires for the people to know that’s who you are. The Eju b’Eju Ailo, the red cap, the feathered cap, {the red birded cap known as the Uloko‘s {eagle} feather} so if you look our royal majesty Agabaidu Ali Obaje for instance if you see one of his dresses once he puts on that cap he communed with the gods, his appearance changed and most people don’t know why Ata hardly holds a child in his hands, do you know why? If you hold a small child, he doesn’t look at you he looks at another person so Ata has a reason that with all Eju b’Eju Ailo and all the dress paraphilia of the office on my body a child doesn’t look at me? So, Ata hardly holds a child.

So, we need to go back to our culture and then begin to revive it. There is culture and God knows our culture before He created us into a tribe and so let nobody tell me that the cultural values of Igala should be thrown away. For instance, it’s a taboo in our place in those days for a child to look to his father’s face and abuse his father or mother, or come and hand shake his father or your father talks to you and you talk back to your father or mother. It is not done that way in Igala culture but today we are imbibing that culture where a child will look into his father’s face and say daddy you are not correct, a child looks at his father’s face and says I’m going away from you, to hell with you, in grammatical expression haven wasted all the time and energy in the whole world to train the child the child comes with that bad attitude and bad orientation from the film and Western education that you gave to the child. So, we must go back to that our culture, teach our children the value of respect for elders. LEADERSHIP CHALLENGE IS A MAJOR ISSUE FROM ALL SAID SO FAR. WHAT IS THE SOLUTION? First and foremost, we must have to avoid prostitution of traditional institutions. You discovered that very many persons that are parading themselves around as our traditional rulers are indeed not in the real sense of the word people qualified to be traditional rulers. We have mixed politics with traditions. Let us go back, you can’t just come from somewhere and you want to be the Onu of Ejule for instance, when all along nobody in Ejule knows you are from that Onu clan. Or Onu Ayingba if there’s anything like that you want to come and be Onu Ayingba and then you don’t even know what goes on in Ayingba but because it is said that the position now is vacant and you are close to power that be and then you want to be Onu Ayingba or you want to be Onu Itobe for instance, and then there is this Onu institute that are either hereditary and from a patrilineal line then you are not from that patrilineal line because there is what we use to call those days Adu {the slaves/ servants} and those slaves that grew up in the traditional homes began to attach themselves to some of those lineages and then they began to claim; somebody who’s not real Akogwu claims to be Aju Akogwu and then want to contest a chieftaincy position meant for Aju Akogwu lineage even though when you go historical fact he cannot trace his genealogy beyond his immediate father. Now, if you ask me today why do you say you are from Aju Akogwu, I can trace

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COVER STORY

my genealogy to Ayegba oma Idoko because I’m not Omata Oji Ukpologwu because Omata oji ukpologwu means the Omata that is ruling at the road he doesn’t have deep rooted background, he can’t trace his genealogy. First of all, this political prostitution of our chieftaincy title we must do away with it. If you want to be a chief in Igala land then you must be prepared to give your all in all for that office of a chief, don’t be a political house boy. Then number two, in Igalaland today, I think there is also the problem of followership; the younger generation these days are people I could refer to as computer age generation who have no respect for the elders and no elder would want to come for meeting called by younger ones to be insulted because we are all not equal. Let’s not deceive ourselves God did not create us of the same level, he first of all created some persons to give birth to the other person that means that God himself respect hierarchy of seniority so if you call for a meeting in which people of said 60 years and above attended and then you are just below 30 and in the that meeting you are talking down on some people who are 60 years and above then when you call for meeting again, they will not come.

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Now we don’t also have respect. The Igalas for what I seem to see now we don’t seem to have respect for constructive engagement and agreement without insult. For instance, in this long process of selecting who will be Ata Igala a lot of arguments and accusations are going on and I’m not interested in being Ata in any case it’s not my lineage turn to produce the next Ata. Now by the law as stated out by the selection to the stool of Ata Igala and when that was posted on social media people were discussing it and somebody woke up from nowhere to insult my person and he was a young lawyer he doesn’t know me, I don’t know him but in real respected society of Igalas where he comes from and law where he comes, he ought not to address me in the manner he addressed me on social media. We now have jet age generation who doesn’t even know the value in the leader they have. They insulted the leaders anyhow. Then the other thing that the Igala must avoid is this question of not placing value on ourselves if you volunteer to help and they don’t want to pay for the services you render; once they identify ARISE IGALA Television MD is an Igala person even the advertorial been put on that TV/Magazine, they want you to do it free. They

COVER STORY don’t want to promote you but they want you to promote them and their interest. Somebody stands somewhere and says I’m not supporting his aspiration to be so and so and I said I don’t support an aspiration of a man I don’t know. I support aspiration of someone who tells you what he wants and I know what he wants to do and if you are convinced to support the person, you support. You must avoid all this cheapening ourselves and not wanting to pay for the services our people render because they need to promote and pay for the services of Igala man and woman so that Igala man or woman can be of beneficial use to the society, we need to look at that. We also need to look at the way and manner we have suddenly becomes shameless. We have no shame anymore. Begging has never been the part of Igala culture but today the concept of “Oma we de” and begging at public functions has become so notorious that even the deaf and blind can hear and see it. And so, if you have misfortune to be doing social event in Igala land and bring personalities they are likely to be embarrassed. It’s not part of our culture to beg no matter the poverty ravaging your family so “idukpe ka m’anyo”. So those are the things we need to do. And then our leaders must also be sincere with us. The idea that only me and only my family must enjoy, must give way to bringing on board other persons family particularly in terms of political leadership election. You cannot tell me now that only one family in our place has the capacity to be senator, house of reps. or even governor of the state. Anywhere any corner you can find good material, the only thing to do now is to put ourselves together and then the proliferation of associations is doing more harm than good to us. There was a time we have what they call “Igala Cultural and Development Association”. I was expecting that the core mandate of the association was for the development of culture of the Igala people but the in-fighting within the association and the crisis seem to have engulfed it to the extent that it has become impotent in terms of achieving its mandate. Then there was one “Ukomu Igala” I don’t know whether it’s still the voice of the Igala people.

A lot of us are sceptical we don’t want to come out because you are afraid of being harm or being insulted if you come out to assist, you would be called names and then unfortunately you can’t develop Igala land by lamentations. There are no practical steps to develop Igalaland, all you hear year in year out is lamentation. Back to this aspect of question of insult for instance, when I wrote one of my colleagues also wrote, somebody went on social media that what kind of knowledge do they have if they had knowledge why where they not able to win election petition in favour of Igala. The person who exhibited this ignorance does not even know that litigation is not tea party, did not know that you don’t sit down in the corner of your room and wish that your person become what he wants to be without even a contribution to the system. Igala people are not even ready to bring out money to fight their course so you cannot board a plane without buying a ticket and use the money to buy the ticket otherwise you keep trekking, if you look at the difference between you trekking to Lagos and someone taking flight you will know who gets there first. The example I’m giving is that the other people you are thinking are the minority are prepared to support one of their own even if it’s not the best they have so that the person can remain there and say that this is their own. But how many of us are ready to support their own in terms of our resources, in terms of our financial commitment, in terms of our prayers, in terms of our cooperation? That is why I said we need to change our attitude and our orientation. Go back the root where we have derailed and pick pieces and put

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COVER STORY

them together to make the Igalas of our dreams. IS THERE HOPE FOR THE IGALA NATION? There is hope, I have not lost it, part of the hope is what you are doing part of the hope is the services that some of us are rendering to some people. Part of the hope is the talk that we are talking and part of the hope is that one day we would have a Paramount ruler that will become a uniting force who will be able to summon all the Igala sons and daughters to the palace and say “look this is where we need to go, this is what we need to do to attract development”. There is hope if we are able to fight the insecurities in our land. I can tell you that there are Igala sons and daughters who wants to bring investments home but the more they think of bringing investments home the more the fear of insecurities, the more the fear of cheating attitude so if we change our attitudes of cheating for instance, you want to bring the industry to your father’s land, build in your father’s compound you have people who are waiting in the wind to cheat you. A trailer load of cement is not able to put up a boy’s quarter so how would the people come? There is hope if we change and on this final note, the scripture says if my people who are called by my name are willing and ready to change from their ways and call upon me, I will hear them and I will heal their land. So, the Igalas will be willing and ready to change from following Western civilization blindingly and blend our own civilization that we had before the Western people. Like those of our people who are pharmacist for instance what is the value of Mayoko that some of us drank, how do you refine mayoko? How do you refine herbs and make them viable commercial ventures and set the plant in Igala land? The cashew, the palm trees, the

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Ikanekpo in those days used to be where you get palm oil, you go to Alade for instance, you get palm oil, the Ijaw people use to come and brew the local gin called “ogogoro” if you take a cup you will know what it is. Those things can be refined and we have arable lands if you go to Oforachi for instance, go to Abocho, go to Ogbonicha, go to Iga Ekeje, go to Olamaboro Okpo, or you go to Inye, you go to all of these places Onitcha Igo, go to Okura Lafia, Egume, go to Abejukolo Ife, go to Ibaji - well reputed for fishing and there is a yam they call Ojokwu in that land but they are no motorable roads for you to go. look we need to team together and make the government to appreciate that we have Igalas who have lands that need to be developed. We need to fight and fight a just good course and emancipate ourselves from the self-imprisonment that we put ourselves, by our attitude, by our conducts, by our orientations, by our behaviours, by our total disrespect for ourselves. Once we start showing respect for ourselves, we begin to put ourselves together, put our hands together, we would avoid the population of bees that we are now. Not only do we need to be barking but we need to bite and once we are able to bite in unity of purpose, the Igalas will come once again back in development and in its glory of rich cultural value. All the Ochos, the Ogagayis, all the Iya Egbas, Egwu Igbas, all the Agalis, all those Oleles they should come together and begin to bring out our songs for people to hear rather than putting others “do me I do you” kind of music in your cars. I play our cultural music a lot and that we should start promoting it in our various homes and then I pray that God will give us a paramount ruler honoured by all Igalas so that he can bring us together.

IHS Donates Over One Hundred Million Naira Worth Of Medical Equipment To General Hospital, Idah

ARISE IGALA-ISSUE 66

IHS: MEDICAL EQUIPMENT DONATION

In honour of Barr. Jimoh Umoru’s meritorious service to his company, IHS, the management decided to support him with a project of his choice and he decided they give the support in the form of medical equipment and items which they did and delivered to the General Hospital Idah. The medical equipment and items worth of over a hundred million naira include Ventilators, Ambulance, Oxygen Tanks, Oxygen Concentrators, PTEs, Power Generator and Power Solar Station to ensure a roundthe-clock power supply in the hospital. It’s a good tiding for any community that their sons and daughters can attract home things that benefit the entire community. Such was the case of an illustrious son of Igala Kingdom, Barr. Jimoh Umoru Sharubutu who once again (as always) chose that his community benefit from his company’s support in medical equipment and items worth over hundred million naira. Barr. Jimoh Umoru Sharubutu, God fearing, caring, humble, great supporter of education and a dedicated fellow at workplace and extremely selfless in community affairs always love to see the good of all within his network and means. He is a reserved personality but keenly observing situations and development so to understand how to proffer solutions. The people remain eternally grateful to IHS for the great support for their health as they promised to put the equipment and items to very good use for the benefit of the people.

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The Fully Furnished Ambulance Donated By IHS Some Of The Medical Items Donated By IHS

The Power Station Donated By IHS

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IHS: MEDICAL EQUIPMENT DONATION

The Ejeh Ofu Receiving A Message From IHS

Hon. Abu Odoma, Chairman Of Idah Local Govt. Area Recieving Message From IHS

Dr. Zekeri (L) The MD Kogi Management Board Receiving Letter From IHS

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IHS: MEDICAL EQUIPMENT DONATION

10. VOTE OF THANKS ON BEHALF OF THE PEOPLE BY CHIEF MRS. ABI FOR THE GOOD WORKS BY IHS.JPG.

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ODU OGBALOTO:

Wedding Set In Nature BEAUTIFUL PLACE, BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE

he invitation came from Dr. James Abalaka and it was going to be a quiet marriage ceremony, he emphasized. And, with serious commitment to keep it so – no hype, no invitation to high profile personalities and even to colleagues in office and instantly many things went through my head as unending questions kept coming but I decided to keep my calm. I have passed through the town of Odu Ogbaloto a few times but these Thursday and Friday (23rd and 24th, September 2021 respectively) were my first days of staying and I would love to go back again, soon, and possibly for a holiday, not work – the serenity and the connection amongst the people is great. It reminds one of the unfortunate but restorable fading communal love amongst the Igala people. Odu Ogbaloto is no doubt a beautiful place and the people, too. The beauty is very obvious from the reception you get and the nature there confirms the beauty of the land. The elites of the community keep nature close – they don’t destroy nature to put up structures, instead they plant more trees and that makes their environment even more beautiful. For the marriage ceremony, the fear on my mind was what the turnout would be like given the decision not to hype the marriage ceremony of their lovely daughter, Miss Abigail E b u w e Abalaka – On the

contrary, the turnout shocked me as the people of the town rally round one of their own. The people, not just those at home but even their elites and many of the young ones travelled home to grace the event and they stayed from day one till the end of the programme on day two – and there was no religious divide as all of them were on ground all through. The most obvious thing to everyone is the humanity and the communal love amongst the people. Another interesting thing I observed with the youths of the community is their connection – I was introduced to some set who studied abroad and I saw them at intervals having serious gist with those based at home and one of their discussions that surprised me was when they were talking about some experiences during some of their December holidays at home. So, the connection isn’t accidental. The good thing about this connection is the quality of integration it brings to the Odu Ogbaloto youths home and abroad. I observed in awe how they were bordering themselves and not the parents of their mates because they know each other and relate well too. The elites of this beautiful town are doing great for their future because their children are intentionally linked; they know themselves because their parents consciously removed the barriers – we kill our future by the time we disconnect our children from their roots – they become strangers in their own land each time they visit and they too would not even want to visit because they are not connected but thanks to the elites of Odu Ogbaloto. It didn’t end there. The Abalaka’s made used of local talents at home during this occasion from the music to decoration. Interestingly too, the bride’s “geles” were all the handiwork of one the Odu Ogbaloto’s home based. The ladies on arrival contacted their friends at home and their hairs were fixed for them by those friends at home and all through they stayed together. This bond should never die and the

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ODU OGBALOTO people must do everything to sustain this from generation to generations. I thought that was all until I made a post (on social media) about Odu Ogbaloto and the messages and calls that started coming in were massive and some highprofile personalities telling me it’s their home and for their absence they regret it because it is their nature to turn up for each other. I love the people and I pray that this part of Igala attributes they are holding high never sleeps off as I pray that all those communities where this kind of communal love still exist across Igala land be encouraged to sustain them as we truly need to return to the days of our glorious love and unity.

At this juncture, I will frankly put some facts out here from my Odu Ogbaloto experience for us all to reflect on again and again: 1.

The Odu Ogbaloto elites that confidently go home for events and holidays have invested (and still investing) in the land and their people. The connection amongst their children encourages serious integration that will keep boosting the worth of the land from generation to generations. Growth of the land and her people is easy given the

deliberate efforts of their elites and it goes to discourage witchhunting et al. Patronizing local talents and ventures will encourage the home based to aim for excellence as they know people from outside will be coming for their services and products.

May God Bless the Marriage of Abigail Ebuwe Abalaka and Daniel Alechenu Eche. And, for myself (Onoja) and the ARISE IGALA Team, we are deeply grateful to Dr. James Abalaka and his family for giving us the chance to visit this beautiful land to cover their lovely daughter’s marriage.

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ADVERT

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GLORIOUSExit Late

MRS (OJA) ARAMETU OJONOGECHA OGUCHE

Her Birth

rs. Arametu Ojonogecha Oguche (Oja, as she was popularly called by her children, family, friends and acquaintances) was born into the family of a great farmer Mr. Apochi Agbo-Oche and Iye Iyamu Rhoda Apochi (Nee Ekele of Emakpe Ogugu) of Oloyo Emonyokwu, Ogugu and christened Ojonogecha Apochi in the then Ankpa Division of the defunct Igala Native Authority of the old Kabba Province in Northern Nigeria. Although Births and Deaths were in those days not registered or recorded with western precision, they were marked with events and seasons. Such traditional historical records reveals that she was born in the year 1938 as the third Child and first Daughter of her mother: Iye Iyamu Rhoda Apochi and about the 10th Child of the father who was married to several wives, a mark of traditional success of that era.

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GLORIOUS EXIT EARLY EDUCATION AND MARRIAGE. Her earliest days as a Child and waning took place in Oloyo-Emonyokwu where she alongside her numerous step-brothers, stepsisters, siblings, cousins and others were raised primarily according to the customary Igala values, ethos and education. One primary fact of the era was the near or total absence of western schools in the Ogugu Neighbourhood and consequently, majority of all the children born in this era in her environment had little or no formal western education. Ojonoka as she was fondly called then was not an exception. She, like every other child of her Father had the benefit of been trained in Igala basics, ethos and values. Here, emphasis was placed on love, compassion and empathy for one another either as children of one father or member of the great Ogajima Family. Again, the ethos of communal responsibility, hard work, respect for elders, good family values, tolerance for husbands, wives and more were all inculcated into the young Ojonoka. One fundamental attributes of her early background are the presence of numerous relatives all housed within the family compound, thus the young Ojonoka would grow into a very accommodating, tolerant, empathic and humane woman in the years to come. In all, she had six siblings from the same mother to wit Otene Jeremiah Apochi, Ebrama Israel Apochi, her veryself, Ilebaye Ahmodu, Jenebu Daina Apochi and Ilemuna Apochi and about forty stepbrothers and step-sisters. Having acquired all relevant traditional values, skills and preparations for a head start in life, the young Ojonoka as was the culture and tradition of those days became ripe for marriage upon attaining the age of maturity. Thus, between the years of 1956 and 1957, a then promising young man, Salifu Obaje Oguche, a Son of an Emenega father and an Emonyokwu mother who was himself raised in the Odidoko part of Emonyokwu but had emigrated to Lagos, the then Colonial and Commercial Headquarters of the evolving Nigerian Nation sought her hands in marriage. As was customary of that era, family background checks were carried out, personal suitability were checked and towards the end of the year 1957, all traditional rites were observed and Ojonoka was married to Mallam Salifu Obaje Oguche (one fact that belie the African collectiveness of that era as played out in that marriage is the role of young ladies becoming friends to a woman being married into the extended families and running all relevant errands between the two families, two very young ladies played this role then and today they are very great grand-mothers now: Mama Mrs. Inikpi Inyanda (Madam Do Good) and Mama Aye Adejo. FAMILY LIFE AND SOJOURN IN LAGOS. After the completion of all marital rites, she moved to Lagos to join her husband and as a well-bred woman, fully aware of her roles as a wife, she got converted into the Islamic faith, the then religion of her husband and was consequently given an additional name to symbolize her new faith, (Arametu), thus she

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GLORIOUS EXIT

became Mrs. Arametu Oguche in the year 1958. In her new home in Lagos, she met several young men and women, relations from far and near who were either living with the husband or passing by in search of whitecollar jobs and other opportunities of life, in her attempt to minister unto their daily feeding needs and more, she earned for herself the nickname (Oja), meaning Madam in Igala parlance but reserved for women of enormous influence. Thus, Oja would become her name for everyone including visitors, families and even her own biological children. Oja, as she was then known and her late husband, Salifu Obaje Oguche had seven children in their life time. With the pioneer and the first fruit being Pastor (Mrs.) Grace Adijetu Okpeke (Nee Salifu) who to the glory of the Lord is the rallying point of all Oja children; she is an Area Pastor in the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) and a Civil Servant. Mohammed Onu Oguche came next, a Law Enforcement Officer who lived until the year 2018 when our Lord called him home. He is followed by Barr. (Mrs.) Rekia Rachael Adejo-Andrew, a Private Legal Practitioner who is also the present Chairperson of the International Federation of Women LawyersFIDA, (Nigeria) Abuja Branch, a current Member of the Governing Board of the Federal Medical Centre, Owo,

Ondo State and a wife of a Federal Permanent Secretary. She also had Mrs. Achenyo Fatima Phillip, an Ex-Banker and a Public Servant with the Federal Ministry of Labour. She had Salifu Oguche Ojoarome Shehu, who died at an early age in an accident in the year 1995. Salifu Oguche Usman, Esq a Lawyer and social crusader came next and she had Salifu Oguche Abubakar, a trained Engineer, public servant and social critics as the last child. Oja’s life was characterized by understanding, respect, love and submissiveness to her husband and the family, love, empathy, compassion and respect for her own family and service, compassion and tolerance to all that came her way. These sterling qualities of her will earn her so much acceptance within her family rank to the point that she approached her husband to get converted into Christianity having received the light even while her husband was still a Muslim and her wishes were granted without much ado, thus most part of their lives, while the late Pa Salifu Oguche practiced Islam, Oja was a devout Christian and raised all the Children in that light until the conversion of the husband in 1988. While it is a natural impossibility for a biography of this nature to chronicle every bit of one’s life journey, it must be stated that Oja’s life was one of service. In Lagos

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GLORIOUS EXIT where she spent most part of her active life, she was a beacon of support for upcoming young men starting off life and the mother for most newly married young women brought from the village. She often taught them the rudiments of urban daily existence, mannerisms, values and more, she was through these means to become mother and grand mother to countless women and equally mentor. In her Apochi Agbo-Oche family, Oja was never a push over, her siblings and step-siblings loved her to a fault, perhaps she attracted their love and affection in a special way, she was a very strong force and voice within the family and a great force of stability. Her support for her family is un-precedented and she is considered as the major reason for the very high rate of the presence of the Apochis in Lagos today, to the glory of God, when she lost her Elder Brother, Otene Jeremiah Apochi in the early 1970s, she will with the support of her husband care for and raise three of his children, one of them Chief Ezekiel Jeremiah turned out to be her first child and confidant of all times till death and in testimony of that relationship, she had requested that she buried in his house against custom and practice which dictated that she be buried in a cousin’s house. She shared a passion with her late husband and they both pursued it to their very end, which is care for the less priviledged, widows and orphans around them, it was often said of both of them that they cared for the children of others than their biological children. ECONOMIC LIFE. Oja was not just a successful mother and wife, there was a career perspective to her life. Like most women of her time, hers was not a career in the formal sector but a very active one. While in Lagos, after her initial acculturation with the Lagos city and its bustling, she started a retail business in the Bar Beach Neighbourhood at the heart of today’s Lagos, from this business which grew in size and proportions with time, she employed several other persons and became a rallying point. She was to help other young Igala women in settling down and setting up such businesses around Lagos in the 1960s and 1970s. She later, founded and ran a Bar and Restaurant business yet in the Sand Field/Bar Beach area of Lagos Island in Lagos State. Her business drew a lot of patronage from the emerging Igala community and she prospered in no small measure. All these were to come to a halt when her husband retired from the services of the Nigeria Institute of Oceanography and Marine Research - NIOMR under the then Federal Ministry of Science and Technology in 1986 and they both relocated to their village Emenega-Atte in 1986. In Emenega-Atte, she wouldn’t let the change of environment and dictate her economies, she started off again as an oil retailer dealing in palm oil, this line of trade she was to follow over the years and became a major dealer in the industry around Ogugu until her illness in 2017. RELIGIOUS LIFE She was a very devoted Christian and served God with the whole of her might, heart and resources in the United Evangelical Church denomination, (formerly Qua Iboe Church) both while in Lagos and at Emenega-Atte in the Ogugu District and Superintendence. A baptized member, communicant and very committed women fellowship leader. To the glory of God Almighty, our mother Oja remained

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GLORIOUS EXIT firm in Christ till the very end and breath her last as a born again Christian. ILLNESS AND DEATH. The last four years beginning from December, 2016 was very trying for her, as she suffered some heart related diseases. This was to change for the worst in the latter part of 2018 after she lost her second son, Mohammed Onu Oguche to a very protracted illness. The children under the leadership of Pastor Mrs. Grace A. Okpeke and Mrs Rekia Adejo-Andrew did their very humanly possible best to help God in sustaining her life but like every other thing under the Earth, as the Bible has admonished, there is a time and season, thus at about 4.04 AM on the 19th September, 2020, she bowed

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to the supreme will of the Almighty, her creator and transited to the greatest beyond to join other saints at the Accident and Emergency section of the Wuse District Hospital, Abuja. All through her sickness and death, she enjoyed the privileged of being surrounded by her children and grand-children who showed uncommon love and compassion. She was willed from her death bed to the mortuary section by four of them and their spouses amidst other family members. Oja is survived by 5 children, three Daughters, Two Sons, Thirteen Grand Children, Three Sisters, Ten Step Sisters, A Step Brother, Nephews, Nieces and more. May God accept her very peaceful and gentle soul. Adieu Oja. Oroko-Idoko, Iye Okpepa, Iye Kobo-Chile, Oma-Iye Ego, Chiko kejuwa de ke.

GLORIOUS EXIT

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DR. OHIARE SANUSI:

BRIDGING THE GULF IN LEADERSHIP By ABDULLAHI HARUNA

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CHEIFTAINCY CONFERMENT CEREMONY

It’s not every day one comes across very enterprising and transformational leaders in Nigeria who belong in the youth demography occupying strategic positions especially within the political space. By some strange designs or arrangements, the youths are perpetually positioned to play the role of assistants or support staff that do the legwork and handle critical assignments on behalf of their principals. The opportunity to have them steer the ship as frontline players rarely presents itself. This is perhaps the Achilles heel confronting the youths in Nigeria. The fact remains that in spite of the ‘Not too Young to Run Bill’ passed into law by the Nigerian Government under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari, only a slew of young persons are holding important and strategic positions in the administration. The reasons for this obvious short-change, I can’t seem to fathom immediately. For instance, in spite of the Nigerian youth being in the majority in terms of population categorisation, none is a serving minister or cabinet member of the Federal Executive Council as revealed by a recent publication of Premium Times. The youngest Minister in Nigeria as at today is Hajiya Safiya Umar Farouk, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development who is 45 years old. This is indeed a far departure from what used to be the case in the past where youths below the age of 30 years held ministerial portfolios. Well, it’s not all bad news as we also have some young persons holding strategic and influential positions in governmental institutions. Only recently, President Buhari appointed 40-year old Abdulrasheed Bawa to head the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). But one young man whose appointment

has continued to excite Nigerians and foreigners alike is the highly cerebral, upwardly mobile and creatively gifted Dr Ohiare Sanusi, who is an Executive Director, Rural Electrification Fund (REF) at the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), an interventionist agency saddled with the responsibility of providing electricity access to rural communities across Nigeria. Dr. Sanusi has indeed put a lie to the long-held erroneous claim that a typical Nigerian youth lacks what it takes to occupy an important position and deliver on the demands of that position. The young man has acquitted himself in ways that leave many wondering if he was from another planet. The Nigerian youth is a body of untapped and under-utilized talent. Little wonder they perform wonders and become champions in whatever they venture into, especially outside our shores. At 36, Dr. Ohiare, with a first degree in Economics, specialty in Energy Finance, a PhD to boot and a compelling background in the private sector and international development, has distinguished himself within a short space of time he has been an ED with the all-important agency on rural electrification. The dossier of his achievements and impacts since he assumed office is as exciting as it is encouraging that indeed, Nigeria is home to legends and stars. Born on 6th of March 1985, in Abuja, Ohiare hails from Adavi Local Government Area of Kogi State. Dr. Sanusi Ohiare obtained his Bachelor of Science Degree in Economics from University of Jos, Plateau State, where he graduated with Second Class Honours, Upper Division (2.1) in 2006. He later attended the renowned Centre for Energy, Petroleum, Mineral Law and Policy (CEPMLP), University of Dundee, Scotland, United Kingdom(UK), and obtained a Master of Science Degree in Energy Studies, with specialization in Energy Finance in 2011. ARISE IGALA-ISSUE 66

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To properly prepare himself for the future and become a force to reckon with in his area of specialization, he bagged a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Degree in Rural Energy Development from the prestigious Institute for Energy and Sustainable Development (IESD), De Montfort University, Leicester, UK in 2014 and is currently the only Nigerian with that specialization. What a feat, you would say. Before his appointment in April 2017, he worked with the German International Cooperation Agency (GIZ), as a National Advisor on Rural Electrification, under the Nigerian Energy Support Programme (NESP), co-funded by the European Union and German Government where he distinguished himself as a star resource

and shrewd energy expert. Cumulatively, Dr. Ohiare has about 16 years experience within the Rural Electrification Space. He is also a member of the International Association of Energy Economics (IAEE), Nigerian Association of Energy Economics (NAEE), Lagos Oil Club, Society for Petroleum Engineers (SPE), and Energy Institute UK. As stars don’t struggle to shine, so is Dr. Ohiare. He delivers on assignments given to him in record time, and never fails to take advantage of opportunities to upgrade himself in all spheres of life. Reports and news about him are always a delight to the ear. He is a product of hard work, determination and grace. He believes strongly in the fact that whatever the heart desires and works

The popular Odeshi group on ground to welcome The Akiliwo Ejeh

Dr. Sanusi Ohiare_s Chieftancy Conferment Ceremony (14)

Adavi dancers

Ugworo_s maestro Danlami Ayofa entertaining guests

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The Agbaka group

Traditional Dance Group from Kogi Central

towards achieving it, is achievable. He’s demonstrated this positive attitude a couple of times, even as a student. Undoubtedly, Sanusi’s achievements as head of REF, proves that with the right attitude, an observant eye and a desire to continue learning, any young man and woman can take up leadership responsibilities and do very well. The REA board he’s a part of, has attracted close to $560 million dollars from donor agencies and an estimated $1billion from private sector for renewable energy development in rural communities, markets, universities and teaching hospitals. It was his sterling performance that drew him to global recognition recently. He

Agbaka Cultural Troupe.jpg.

Dr. Sanusi Ohiare_s Chieftancy Conferment Ceremony (12)

was nominated, alongside three notable personalities across the continent in the Young Leader category of the 2020 African Power, Energy & Water Industry Awards. According to the organisers, the category recognizes a person under the age of 35 from a public or private company who has made an outstanding contribution in their sector. Even with the stiff competition from other nominees, Ohiare emerged winner of the coveted award. He is also a Mandela Washington Fellow. Dr. Ohiare’s pacesetting strides have earned and continue to earn him recognitions and commendations within and outside Nigeria. In appreciation of the honour he’s ARISE IGALA-ISSUE 66

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A king and his strength filling the void of leadership

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Dr. Sanusi Ohiare, Mr Bolufemi Rotimi and Pharm. Alexander Onoja

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Dr. Sanusi Ohiare’s Chieftanicy Conferment Ceremony (59)

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Dr. Sanusi Ohiare with Chief Hillary Amodu

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Dr. Sanusi Ohiare’s Chieftaincy Conferment Ceremony (31)

Dr. Sanusi Ohiare’s Chieftaincy Conferment Ceremony Mallam Magaji Abdul with colleagues from REA (50)

Dr. Sanusi Ohiare’s Chieftaincy Conferment Ceremony (77)

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Dr. Sanusi Ohiare’s Chieftaincy Conferment Ceremony (78)

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brought to Nigeria and Kogi state, the Ejeh Olamaboro, in Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi gathered people of influence, impact and outreach to witness the conferment on young Sanusi the prestigious traditional title of Akiliwo Ejeh Olamaboro, which simply means, (Strength of the King). The epoch making event was significant given the impact inherent in the extension of cultural harmony between the Igala speaking people and their Ebira speaking brethren – a people dialectically integrated in mutual distrust. The award carries on its heel, the propensity to bridge the frightening tribal gulf between the two tribes – it becomes more instructive that the builder of this bridge is Sanusi Ohiare, a new lease of

life blinded to the prejudice of tribe, religion and politics. A pointer that young people are the catalysts needed for the new civilization in Kogi state, a civilization founded on the pillars of love, progress and development. Credit must go to the man leading the collapse of what has been an age –long tribal and political distrust. His Royal Highness, Ujah Simon whose legendary initiative to extend the olive hand of fellowship to the Ebira tribe thus leading to the collapse of cultural peculiarities into one common destiny, and the traditional scion was apt in resting his messenger of harmony on Dr. Sanusi Ohiare – a fascinating new kid on the bloc.

Dr. Sanusi Ohiare welcoming the Kogi Deputy Governor, Dr. Sanusi Ohiare with cross section of awardees Chief Edward Onoja to the venue_

Dr. Sanusi Ohiare with Alhaji Momoh Isah a fellow awardee

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OGUGU DEVELOPMENT UNION ABUJA BRANCH’S END OF YEAR DINNER, 2021 The 2021 edition of Ogugu Day in Abuja successfully took place at Chida International Hotel, Abuja. The event was very colourful and simply memorable as it was a great meeting point to close 2021 for the lovely people. The Deputy Governor of Kogi State, HE, Chief Edward David Onoja being the Special Guest of Honour graced the occasion in person and Royal Fathers

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from the home front were on ground too. The event marked the end of the union’s activities for the 2021 and so it was a moment of great merriment which brought together very good number of Ogugu sons and daughters in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja to reunite and share good time as one big family.

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IGALA WOMEN OF SUBSTANCE AWARD 2022 ARISE IGALA-ISSUE 66

WHO IS WHO IN IGALA

Dr, Mrs. Jumai Ahmadu, Speaker At The Event

he bi-annual award is an initiative of Chief Hilary Amodu through his Who’s Who In Igalaland platform. This award is prestigiously dedicated to honour Igala women of substance. It selects and honour Igala women who are in their own ways contributing greatly to

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good and development of the Igalaland and her people. As a mark of prestige for the Igala women all over the world, Chief Hilary Amodu had always staged the event at the 5 Star world class hotel, Transcorp Hilton, Abuja each time the event

WHO IS WHO IN IGALA

Prof. Mrs. Josphine Agbonika, San (L) Receiving Her Award Presented By Hrh, Chief Simeon Ujah, Ejeh Ola.

holds. This year’s edition took place on Saturday, March 19 by 10am. The event witnessed some distinguished Igala women once again honoured in view of their various contributions. And, the charismatic Dr. Mrs. Jumai Ahmadu delivered the lead paper at the event

Barr Rekia Rachael Adejoh-Andrew (L) Receiving Her Award

which charged the people and women in particular to rise and do more for the good of our dear land and Nigeria at large. The ARISE IGALA Team covered the event and presents with some of the pictures from this great platform. ARISE IGALA-ISSUE 66

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The Convener, Chief Hilary Amodu Addressing Newsmen At The Event

Hrh, Chief Simeon Ujah, The Ejeh Olamaboro Addressing Newsmen At The Event

Hajiya Salamatu Baiwa Adddresing The Audience Before Presentation Of The Awards

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Baba Jfo Performing At The Event

Chief Hilary Amodu (R) With Some Family And Team Mmembers

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Actress Ajanigo Simeon (R) Being Presented An Award By Hrh, Chief Simeon Ujah, Ejeh Olamaboro.

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Dr. Safiya Stephanie Musa (L) Being Presented With Award By Dr. Mrs. Jumai Ahmadu (R).

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The Screen Queen, Sadiya Dosumu (R) Being Presented With Her Award.

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Dr. Mrs. Victoria Ayishetu Enape (R) Being Presented An Award By Hrh, Chief Simeon Ujah, Ejeh Olamaboro.

Gospel Singer, Abibail Omonu (L) Receiving Her Award.

Mrs. Angela Omatokole (R) Receiving Her Award.

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Mrs. Angela Omatole Addressing Newsmen At The Event.

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ALHAJI SHUAIB ABUBAKAR AUDU TOUCHING LIVES AT THE GRASSROOTS ARISE IGALA-ISSUE 66

SHUAIB ABUBAKAR AUDU FOUNDATION

Alhaji Shuaibu Abubakar Audu is an Executive Director at Stanbic IBTC, the leading Investment Banking Group in Nigeria and West Africa. Stanbic IBTC is part of the Standard Bank Group, which is the biggest and largest bank in Africa in terms of assets and profitability. Standard Bank Group is an international bank that operates in 20 African countries including Nigeria through Stanbic IBTC and has over 20,000 staff members. Stanbic IBTC is responsible for hosting one of the largest gathering of foreign investors in Nigeria 72 ARISE IGALA-ISSUE 66

through the Investors Conference held annually. Stanbic IBTC Bank is also one of the Banks that processes the largest inflows of Foreign Direct Investments into Nigeria. Therefore, Alhaji Audu is very versed and seasoned at hosting and discussing with investors that channel Foreign Direct Investments into Nigeria. Alhaji Audu holds a Master’s degree from the University of Oxford, UK. He also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Economics from University of

SHUAIB ABUBAKAR AUDU FOUNDATION

and Investment Management expertise in both the pension and non-pension businesses of Stanbic IBTC. He used to be the Head of the Investment Management division of the Company where he was responsible for formulating and executing investment strategies for the several portfolios managed by Stanbic IBTC. He was also the pioneer Head of Investment Management at Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers Limited. As an Executive Director in Stanbic IBTC, Alhaji Audu currently oversees the Investment Management and Proprietary and Principal Investments’ portfolios of the Company. He is also a Director of multiple subsidiaries within the Stanbic IBTC Group and has broad experience across the Group. This young and visionary executive after a very diligent research and consultations, has designed a special means of giving back to his people through his SHUAIB ABUBAKAR AUDU FOUNDATION (SAU Foundation). This act of giving back is unlike the regulars which stay far from the people and then decide what to give them as they deemed important but instead, they went down to the grassroots, finding out what the people truly need and as such, the SAU Foundation kicked off the first phase of its community service with provision of 21 boreholes to selected communities across the 21 Local Government Areas in Kogi State. Leicester, UK and an MSc. in International Securities, Investment & Banking from the ICMA Centre, Henley Business School, University of Reading, UK. He attended Secondary School at both Igbinedion Education Centre, Benin City, Edo State and Command Secondary School, Kaduna State. Alhaji Audu has close to 20 years extensive Investment Banking experience in Treasury/Global Markets, Venture Capital, Proprietary and Principal Investments;

So, on Monday, August 17, 2020, the young Alhaji Shauib Abubakar Audu on arriving Lokoja received a heroic reception with many carrying placards, inviting him for a guber race but he quickly addressed that as he let the people to know that his mission is clear – charity, community service, giving back and politics is far from it but if God says through the people it will be a different thing but until then, he pleaded that people should support him in delivering clean potable water to the various identified communities across the ARISE IGALA-ISSUE 66

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21 Local Government Areas of Kogi State. On Tuesday, August 18, 2020 at 10:43am the journey to handing over of some of the motorized boreholes commenced from Lokoja and the first call was made at the palace of HRH, Ohinoyi of Ebiraland. He (Alhaji Shauib) arrived at the Ohinoyi Palace at 1:00pm and their private meeting ended at 1:39pm in his inner chamber after which the royal father, Alhaji Ado Ibrahim blessed him as a father would bless a very good child. From the Ohinoyi Palace, he proceeded to Palace of Ohi of Adavi. Arriving there at 2:01pm, HRH, Alhaji Mohammed Ireyi Bello received him and equally blessed him after appreciating his good works. Then he left

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for the commissioning of the Motorized Borehole situated at Enesi District of Nagazi-Uvete in Adavi Local Government Area. After the commissioning at Nagazi-Uvete at 2:55pm, Alhaji Shauib and his team proceeded to the palace of Obaro of Kabba same day. Arriving at the Obaro of Kabba palace at 3:43pm, the palace led by the Oba welcomed him and blessed him for his good works. From the palace he moved to where the Motorized borehole was situated in Odolu Community, Kabba. The Owe Youth Association received him in a very organized manner at 4:16pm and after various presentation of cultural performances and speech, the motorized borehole was commissioned at 4:45pm and

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from there he moved the palace of the Oba of Odolu for a royal blessing and from there returned to Prince Abubakar Audu’s GRA Residence in Lokoja at 6:30pm. Alhaji Shuaib Abubakar Audu from the Day One trip showed he is a very good manager of time and people. The same managerial skill (in time and people) he demonstrated while he visited Ogbonicha in Ofu Local Government Area (his home town) and Emewe Efopa in Dekina Local Government Area where he also commissioned motorized boreholes on Thursday, August 20, 2020 and Friday, August 21, 2020 respectively.

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HRH, Ohinoyi Of Ebiraland Pour Blessings On Alh. Shuaib.

With Hrh, Ohinoyi Of Ebiraland, Alh. Ado Ibrahim.

HRH, Ohinoyi Of Ebiraland Prays For Him Again, Outside.

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Scintillating, energizing and entertaining was the atmosphere created at EJURA’S ALBUM LISTENING PARTY on Saturday, March 19, 2022. Indeed, a star is rising from amongst us - her performance wowed the audience – breathtaking that Dr. Mrs. Jumai Ahmadu in her good will message confessed that she’s got what it takes to hit the global stage like Tiwa Savage and co. In the same line, Hajiya Salamatu Baiwa called for massive and sincere supports for EJURA as she assured the people that she is worth investing in for the good of all and particularly, to give the creative community in our clime the hope they need to push on. Now, the different thing entirely that this event brought out yesterday is the high level of cooperation and cohesion that was at play by the various bodies led by young Igala chaps that came together to make the event a reality; Starshow Entertainment (DJ Spicee), ARISE IGALA (Onoja J. Okpanachi), Urah TV (Sunday Attabo), Mariam Akpidi Foundation (Haj. Mariam), Enemona Josh 78 ARISE IGALA-ISSUE 66

Foundation (Comr. Enemona David Gabriel Onoja), Charles Iduh Foundaton (The Iduhs) and the Kogi East Entertainment Body creatively represented by Baba JFO, Alecs Chizar, Skofyfar, Yarah, Faith OJZ, Achile ‘AC De Comedian’ et al. It was in view of the level of support given to EJURA that pushed Alhaji Salisu Umar close to tears as he expressed his happiness and words of hope saying that this generation has brought back that unity that has long disappeared from the kingdom – he told the crème de la crème of the women at the event that they have rekindled our light and that Igala will shine brightest again. This new wave of unity blowing will not go away anytime soon, never as we are called upon to sustain it as Comrade Gooodman Akwu and HRH, Alhaji Abdulsamad (The Oga Ata Igala and Onu Igala Karu/Jikwoi) emphasized that the focal point of everyone should be the common good of all in all our ventures.

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“By the year 2045 and beyond, we see a very strong Igala nation that will be playing major roles in Nigeria economically and politically.

We are the VISION

Building Our FUTURE. ARISE IGALA BROADCASTING LIMITED RC 1520165

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