Images of Ebiraland

Ekuku Dam project included in 2012 Budget - Sen. Abatemi

2011-11-16T23:12:00.001+01:00

- Assured the actualization of Ajasteel project

By Ismail M. Kabir

The vice chairman of senate committee on Niger Delta, Senator Nuradeen Abatemi Usman has said that the long abandoned Ekuku Dam project has been enlisted in the 2012 budget of the federal republic of Nigeria for its revitalization.

The Kogi central district senator made the declaration in his office during a meeting with the coordinators of Ebira Youths for Progressive Change Initiative (EYPCI) at the National Assembly. He said that the provision of portable water to the people of the central senatorial district of Kogi state forms a significant part of his legislative agenda as declared in his campaign promises.

Senator Abatemi who applauded the objectives of EYPCI emphasized his commitment to delivering the expectations of the electorates while analysing the efforts he has made towards ensuring adequate discharge of his primary responsiblities to his people just as he has delegated a capable team to attend to 'peculiarities' arising from what he described as secondary issues through his community based NGO, The Umajene Abatemi Initiative (TUAI).

According to him, TUAI whose board was recently inaugurated with a take off fund of over N20 Million is tasked with the responsibility of addressing community based demands and related advocacies to allow for better concentration on his primary legislative assignment.

"The understanding of this our office varies from person to person. I feel very honoured with the job I am given to do and I love doing my job. There's huge expectation back home but I want to assure you that we are working hard to deliver on our priorities", he said.

The senator went down memory lane to highlight some of the steps so far taken to properly address the challenges facing the people of Ebira land. He recalled his visits to some of the abandoned projects in Ebira land including the Ajaokuta steel project, Itakpe Iron Ore Mining Project, Osara Dam, Ekuku Dam and Okene water works.

Water scarcity in Okene most felt at this time of the year

While analyzing, the erudite senator explained that while Osara Dam is the largest water source in Ebiraland, Ekuku Dam being the second largest could supply portable water to all the major parts of Ebiraland, stressing that his focus is to deliver this expectation in a larger scale. He said he has met and discussed with the Ministry of Water resources to this effect.

"I won't go sinking bore-holes in every household in Ebiraland but I am committed to an urban approach towards allieviating water scarcity in Kogi Central". He, however, declared that Ekuku Dam is already included in the 2012 budget for implementation.

"With the inclusion of Ekuku Dam project in 2012 budget, as long as I remain in this office and as long as I am alive, once the project is fully executed, I can go back after four years and say that I have contributed to the community". Speaking further, Sen. Abatemi disclaimed the insinuation that Ajaokuta Steel Project is not realizable.

"If there are people that believe that Ajaokuta steel project is not doable, I am not one of them. I believe the project is doable and a lot is already happening in that direction".

Images showing water scarcity imminent in Okene as the years ends

Abatemi-Usman pushes for reinstatement of disengaged Customs officers

2011-11-16T20:00:00.000+01:00

PRESS RELEASE

Sen.Nuradeen Abatemi

Vice Chairman of Senate Committee on Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Nurudeen Abatemi-Usman representing Kogi Central Senatorial district has asked the Senate to prevail on the management of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to reverse its decision to retire one Ibrahim Oricha Yusuf from his constituency and others with similar cases.

A statement issued by Abatemi-Usman’s media assistant, Michael Jegede noted that the Senator while presenting Yusuf’s petition on the floor of the Senate through a letter he addressed to the Senate President said: “I have received a petition from one Mr. Ibrahim Oricha Yusuf a senior Inspector of Customs (CONSOL 8). Mr. Ibrahim was employed in the Nigeria Customs Service as a junior staff with disability and served for 25 years. Regrettably he was retired arbitrarily on 3rd October, 2011 on grounds of ill health, in spite of a medical report certifying his fitness. Mr. President Sir, the petitioner is praying the Senate to prevail on the management of the Nigeria Customs Service to reverse its decision to retire him from service and reinstate him.”

The statement further indicated that the youngest senator in the Seventh Senate, who believes absolutely in equity, fairness and justice wondered why a man who have been in active service for 25 years without any blemish or query whatsoever in his file would be disengaged because of his disability.

In his petition letter to the Senator dated October 25, 2011, the said Yusuf who was promoted last year said: “Sir, after been in active service for the past twenty-five years carrying out my duty with full commitment without violating the rules and regulation of the organization. To my very great surprise, the Customs management misinterpreted my disability as an illness in her last screening exercise which led to the termination of my appointment prematurely. Distinguished Sir, you are my final hope to keep me active or else my disabled person will also die prematurely.”

SIGNED: MICHAEL JEGEDE

MEDIA AIDE TO THE SENATOR

Visit to Upogo Waterfall, Okene

2011-11-12T15:30:00.000+01:00

It was a special Friday on the 11th of November 2011 otherwise regarded as 11-11-11 and the Sallah (Eid ul-Adha) holiday just ended.

As a farewell to the holiday, we embarked on a tour around Ebira Natural sites to explore their Tourism Potentials.Our first call was at the Cowrie Mountain (Ataba Uto) in Eika, Okehi LGA of Kogi State.

Accompanied by a local TV crew, we embarked on the long trek uphill the ancient settlement of Eika people. After hours of sweat and fun, we re-organised and headed for one of Ebira greatest treasure, the Upogo Waterfall.

UPOGO WATERFALL

Located in a remote thicket, about a kilometer from the Check-point axis of the Okene-Ajaokuta highway, the Upogo Waterfall is a rocky cliff that spreads about 250m from its foot uphill.

The Waterfall is a beautiful sight to behold as it snakes down the rocky channel to a stream at its foot. There is sandy ground that forms a perfect platform for picnic and flat rocks for sun bath.

Hidden from public knowledge, the enchanting view of the waterfall as one approaches from its foot gives a breath-taking impression. It is surrounded by a thick forest with cool fresh air blowing overhead.

Photo shots from the Waterfall

Our crew relaxing

Fun at the waterfall

The Waterfall

Town Hall meeting by Hon. Yusuf Ahmed Tijani

2011-11-12T13:00:00.000+01:00


GUESTS AT THE MEETING

Speech by the event organizer, Hon. Yusuf Ahmed Tijani

The Ohinoyi of Ebirra land, Dr. Ado Ibrahim has warned his subjects against vandalizing the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) pipeline in his domain. Addressing his subject during Okene/Oghori-Magongo town hall meeting in Okene at weekend organized by Honourable Yusuf Tijani Ahmed representing Okene/Oghori-Magongo Federal Constituency, the royal father said NNPC is complaining bitterly about the development. He said the issue was giving him serious concern, saying that President Goodluck Jonathan was also not happy with the development. Ohinoyi advises the people of Ebirra land to do away with it because of the hazardous nature of bunkering to the people and the economy of the country. Relevant Links The traditional ruler stressed that the relative peace witnessed in Ebira land must be sustained, calling on parents to always check their wards so that the land should continue to embrace peace and unity for development to strive in the land. Ohinoyi noted that the use of clannish sentiment as sources of disintegration can only set the land backward as he enjoined parents to give moral training and education to their children to sustain their future. He also charged the electorate to give adequate support to their leaders while calling on representative to adequately represent the people. On his part, Hon. Yusuf Ahmed Tijani said the town meeting was his own little way of contributing towards sustaining peace in the area and promised to attract development in the area.

Between Ando and Adoke

2011-08-05T03:33:00.002+01:00

By Adeiza Momoh Jimoh

The recent rejection of Obadiah Ando as ministerial nominee from Taraba State by the Senate marked the end of the political horse trading that was kick started by the three senators representing Taraba State in the Senate. The country was taken aback when all the three senators from the state addressed a joint press conference rejecting the nomination of Ando as minister representing Taraba State.

They told the world that Dr. Ando did not serve the interest of the people of the state when he was first appointed Minister of Water Resources by President Goodluck Jonathan. They further alleged that he was highly inaccessible to the people of the state who he supposedly represented in the federal cabinet. One would have thought that the senators’ action was a kind of political witch-hunting if the senator representing the district of Dr Obadiah had not consented to the rejection. Worse still, the entire members of the Taraba State House of Assembly unanimously passed a resolution supporting the senators position without even a minority position from the House of Assembly member from Obadiah’s district of Taraba State.

While I praise the role played by the senators from Taraba and their House of Assembly counterparts for having the courage to stand up to challenge what they felt would not be beneficial to their people, I equally sympathise with Dr. Ando for suffering a fate which he is not the only culprit. This is because there are so many Andos who made it to the federal cabinet just because the people of the state where they come from lacked the courage and the tenacity to fight for the common good of the people.

The people of some of these states allowed some primordial considerations such as ethnicity and the desire to permanently oppress and subjugate one another to becloud their sense of unity and the need to work together for the good of the common people. As a result of this, some opportunists seized these platforms to continually enjoy their people’s chances without any recourse to their well being. If some of the ministers and some other political office holders know that they can be rejected based on their people’s recommendation, perhaps some of them would have behaved better.

It is a lesson therefore for ministers such as our current Minister for Justice and Attorney General of the federation, Mr Mohammed Bello Adoke, SAN. The joy of an average Ebira man knew no bound when Mohammed Bello was named a minister. This is not because he was the first Ebira person to become minister as many, like Ambasssador Judith Attah, Abdulrahman Okene had occupied that position before him from Ebira extraction. But the joy of the people was based on their perceived marginalisation by Obasanjo administration as no Ebira man had the opportunity of becoming a minister during his eight-year rule.

The people of Ebiraland and indeed the entire central senatorial district of Kogi state thronged the family house of the minister to attend a well advertised prayer session and reception for him after his inauguration in his first term. The minister did not only fail to attend the reception but did not even send a representative.

This was easy to cover up as members of his immediate family organised the reception. The people who came in their thousands to rejoice with the family were utterly disappointed. But quickly, a defence that the minister accompanied the president on over sea trip was launched to placate those who felt the action of the minister was insulting.

Shortly after this, the Ebira Youth Congress, an umbrella organisation for all youth clubs in Ebiraland decided to honour and celebrate people of Ebira extraction who had been elevated to one position of authority or the other in the federal service. Among those pencilled for the honour were the minister, the Group Managing Director of Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, Mr Austin Oniwon, the clerk of the House of Representatives, Mr Mohammed Ataba Omolori among others. The current Deputy Governor of Kogi state, Dr Phillips Omeiza Salawu led the crème of other Ebira to attend the reception held in Abuja.
http://www.fmj.gov.ng/images/bello%20adoke%20001.jpg
The ever busy minister did not find time to attend the reception again and could not send somebody to represent him but the other honourees as mentioned above attended in persons. Yet, this minister is filling the quota of his people. The question therefore is if a public office holder cannot find time to attend a reception organised for him by his people, is it individual or societal problems he would create time for?

For the people of Kogi state, there is still a lesson to be learnt. It is time therefore for the people to first see themselves as people of Kogi State before thinking of being Ebira, Igala or Okun. It is our inability to see ourselves as people of one family that has made us to tolerate leaders no matter how bad they are. I am very sure the people of Ebiraland would have gone to war if an Igala or Okun senator had raised an objection against a nominee of Ebira extraction for non-performance in his former office. The same way the Igalas would prefer their persons to occupy any available position even if they are failing in those offices. It is when we see ourselves as people with same destiny, that we can unanimously like, the people of Taraba State reject what is not good for our people.

In the interim, our leaders can continue to lead without our consent, use our own very position and our opportunity to our disadvantage, an end to all the sins against the people is around the corner in Kogi State.

• Jimoh wrote in from Lokoja, Kogi State

Adavi Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow

2011-06-16T02:05:00.001+01:00

By Alh. Ahmed Adoke

As inevitable facts of life dictates, the past makes the present, the present makes the future.

The ignoble present of the Adavi Local Government Area has compelled me to ask of glorious yester years of Adavi Local Government people right from the time when the entire Kogi Central Senatorial District is addressed as Igbirra Native Authority comprising Okehi and Okene districts respectively.

Late Alh. Ibrahim Onoruoiyiza Atta

Who made Ebira thick then? The leadership of Igbirra Native Authority (ITU) under the colonial masters is not complete without the emphatic mention of the Atta of Igbirraland, His Royal Highness Alh. Ibrahim Onoruoiyiza Atta who hails from Adavi District of Ebiraland. His father, Late Adayi Otaru Kuroko, Opisa – the wealthy of his time and the mother Oyi-Ayi Iya-ebe a well traveled woman, daughter of Atta Omadivi, a wise brave visionary hails from Agada clan of Okene District of Ebiraland.

Without going into historical volumes of the past, the parental combination of late Ohinoyi of Ebirland, Atta Ibrahim Onoruoyiza is of dual sound wise family.

When eventually the need to create more Local Government from the then Igbirra Native Authority arose, the late Ohinoyi of Ebira, Alh. Sanni Omolori and Kokori Abdul of blessed memory, vehemently opposed the idea in line with their self serving wisdom which has become folly today.

They kicked against the well focused and patriotic move that was championed late J.A.G Ohiani. Eventually, Okehi Local Government was carved out of Okene and was first chaired by late J.A.G Ohiani. Ohiani is from Adavi District of Ebiraland and performed credibly well and better than any of his equals in the then Kwara State.

Historical records have shown how Adavi indigenes have excelled in all sphere of life but alas, what has become of us that we are physically more backward in terms of education, socio-economic and infrastructural development in Ebiraland today?

The crop of leadership we have after Alh. Adamu Atta, former Governor of Kwara State and a philanthropist of no equal, took the stage with all immoral manners, that tends to retard Adavi L.G.A.

What you sow, you reap. The present leadership in Adavi L.G.A. does not see anything wrong at overloading the workforce strength of the LGA as long as their children, wives, concubines that constitute the bulk of the unproductive staff are paid and the monthly unholy returns are constantly from any sitting Chairman of the LGA.

Adavi LGA has more worker than other LGs with larger population under the guise of satisfying god-fathers and the over bloated workforce has forced the LGA to owe salaries of up to 6 months as at the time of writing this article (10/6/2011).

No leader of any sort can raise eye brow in sympathy of the workers because they have soiled their hands with the present Chairman, Hon Raji Owuda Ahmed. When the LG Chairman was suspended twice, the Adavi LG leadership including the traditional rulers were covertly canvassing for the retention of Raji Owuda Ahmed because of the subterranean unholy deals between them.

The present Adavi LG Chairman will have a lot of tales to tell if he goes off the EFCC hook. Who among the leadership in Adavi LG that have not benefited from the patronage of unexecuted contracts from the Local Government Chairman? If EFCC has to justly carry out professional investigation and prosecute accordingly, who among the Adavi political leaders is free?

With glorious past and present mess, what holds for Adavi tomorrow? The Local Government chairmanship and councillorship is knocking at the doors. What manners of councilors and chairman will Adavi choose this time around in view of the present mess caused the immediate past administration with 4 – 5 month salary burden? The injection of youthful leadership into Adavi LG politics, I expect a new direction devoid of the dictates from our past leaders who have placed Adavi at this ignoble condition.

I am appealing to the good conscience of Adavi political leaders to look before they leap in terms of the kind of councilors and chairman they present for election into the Adavi LG council in the next Local Government elections.

Alh. Ahmed Adoke

Patron, Righteous On-lookers Association,

Km. 8, Okene – Lokoja Road, Adavi L.G.A.,

Tel: 08033498951

Road Walk/Public Sensitization on Breast Cancer holds in Ebiraland

2011-06-09T00:52:00.002+01:00

Usman Aliyu (team member) sensitizing a trader in Okene

By Ismail M. Kabir

The long awaited public campaign agaisnt Breast Cancer by the Initiative for the Awareness of Cancer in Women has been held successfully. We were overwhelmed by the energetic youth who took the Road Walk to full sensitization exercise through door to door education of our women on the need for early detection through Breast Self-examination. The long train that departed around 11.30am from Inoziomi, Adavi LGA made a first stop at the Azad palace where the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, HRM, Alhaji (Dr.) Ado Ibrahim cut his meeting with some community leaders short to attend to his children.

The Ohinoyi praised the courage of the youths for standing up against a menace that was fast becoming a household name in the land. While making reference to some victims of the ailment, Ohinoyi said that 'though I have not been personally affected by cancer, I feel deeply touched by the pains of those living with the ailment and family of its victims. I want to assure you that I am fully ready to honour your call whenever and in any capacity you feel I am personally needed'. He, however, urged the team to imbibe the spirit of team work, unity, love and tolerance to avoid destroying the good work they have started.

He praised the zeal of the coordinator, Salami Habibat for challenging the long negligence of the scourge and taking the bull by the horn. To the group, the Ohinoyi prayed for long life devoid of cancer experience among their families.

As the train moved towards the Okene Local Government secretariat amidst loud blast of the theme song, the youth danced eerily to the chorus of Si Ireva awu ve (bring forth your breast for screening) drawing attention from the travellers, onlookers and the passers by (Click here for Road Walk gallery).

Received by the Public relations officer, Prince Salim Bello at the Okene Local Government secretariat, the train was quickly assembled for an address on behalf of the LG boss, Alhaji Yahaya Karaku. As part of its commitment to the betterment of the lives of the women, the LG boss through his PRO, promised to issue a plot of land for the erection of a Cancer Centre in Okene where cases of Breast Cancer can be tendered and adequately catered for. He equally promised to support the Initiative in other capacities in due course.

The train proceeded to Okene main market where the teeming traders and hawkers trooped out to behold the eerie youths who danced and chorused through the corners of the market, responding to questions and inviting them to the Workshop scheduled for the next day. As the train proceeded, some of the volunteers engaged worshippers at the Jumat mosques.

In Adaviland, the youths were once again charged up by the steady blast of their theme song as they moved to paste stickers on walls and vehicles. The sensitization continued to Ihima where the team suddenly took over the day at a wedding ceremony. Guests at the occasion were awed by the super-charged youths who repeatedly reminded them of the Initiative's resolve to fight cancer out of Ebiraland. A communtiy meeting in session around Obeiba in Ihima (Okehi LGA) was another point of call. The convener was quick to acknowledge the arrival of the train as he paused to attend to the message from the group before passing it to the council of elders who promptly hailed the youths and promised to pass same to their various households.

The campaign streched further through Okengwe, Ahache, Agassa, Enyinare and Idoji areas of Okene LGA and halted in Anyoke where it terminated around 7pm.

Response from the public has been overwhelming as people continue to throng the GRA Okene office of the NGO to register cases of family and/or friends suffering from the cancer ailment.

The team on break in Okengwe

The team interacts with passers-by

Departure from Okene main market

Dauda Rasheedat (one of the coordinators) addressing market women in Ihima

Okene: When the water runs dry

2011-05-12T08:20:00.000+01:00

Ismail M. Kabir

In 2007, I told a story of my experience when I trekked uphill the Okunchi mountain top (click here for story). The strenuous hike not withstanding, I was deeply touched by the sight of feeble women and mal-nourished children laden with heavy duty gallons and water kegs descending the mountain at early hour of the morning. Upon reaching the water source, I nearly broke down in tears at the sight of long queue of weary-looking women, girls and boys waiting for their 'turn' to fetch a brownish looking water from a small dug-out pond.

Today, water scarcity remains a major challenge faced by Ebira communities despite availability of about 3 major water stations; Osara Dam (Adavi LGA), Ekuku Dam and Okene Water works, the people can hardly enjoy this basic necessity of life as the water sources remain under-utilized by successive local and state governments.

Women and children now trek long distances in search of water except during Rainy season in a community that was the second to own tap water after Lagos, in the early 90s.

An Orphan, Maths-Whiz Kid makes the Community Proud

2011-05-11T08:48:00.001+01:00

By Ismail M. Kabir


Sekinat Ajoge receives a warm handshake from Prof. Sam Ale

At the 8th Annual National Mathematics Competition for Primary 5 & 6, Maths Whiz kids, Sekinat Ajoge, Firdausi Abdulsalami (both from LGEA Standard Primary School Onyukoko Okene) and Joseph Oriade Ajibola of Rock 'N' Garden private school Lokoja represented Kogi state at the final stage. Other states that made it to the final stage were also represented by three (3) pupils each from Abuja, Rivers, Ekiti, Enugu, Akwa Ibom, Delta, Edo, Cross River, Imo, Eboyi, Benue, Abia, Anambra, Lagos, Oyo, Ogun, Osun and Ondo states.

Sekinat Ajoge (aged 10yrs), an Orphan and a primary 5 pupil from the only public school that participated in the competition scored 96.4898 to win the overall 2nd position losing the 1st place to Nonso Chibundo Emelumadu from St. Jude's Private School, Lagos who scored 97.16122.

She has been offered a 100% scholarship by Nigerian Turkish International College (Abuja Girls' Boarding) but now need financial support to complete her fee inorder to meet up the payment deadline set for 30th June, 2011. Her school can be reached for support and further inquiry on +(234) 803 690 7372.

Group photograph of winners flanked by officials of National Mathematical Centre and family members

Sekinat Ajoge (right) with fellow pupils that represented LGEA Standard School, Onyukoko Okene

SEKINAT'S SCHOLARSHIP DOCUMENTS

Offer of Scholarship

Entrance Exam Result

Fees Analysis

Join the 5,000 Man Walk

2011-04-24T20:15:00.000+01:00

2011 Elections: A call for caution

2011-04-03T17:26:00.000+01:00

Peace Campaign by Faceboard Publication

'A New Song' As Anebira Head For 2011 Polls

2011-03-28T10:56:00.000+01:00

By Ismail M. Kabir

Notable Ebira Candidates for 2011 General Elections

Few days to the kick-off of 2011 general elections, political rallies have become dominant of events across Ebiraland. With teeming candidates contesting various offices from different political parties, walls, stakes and every vacant space in the community are donned with political posters and billboards regardless of the township defacement and environmental effect of the waste as they subsequently wear off.

In sharp contrast to 2007 when a common ambition of producing the state Governor on the platform of Action Congress (AC) reigned supreme in Ebiraland, the people of Kogi central have apparently succumbed to defeat sequel to the overwhelming loss their gubernatorial aspirants witnessed in the hands of their Eastern counterparts during the PDP Governorship primaries held at the Lokoja Township stadium in January, producing the embattled Alh. Isah Jibril Echcho from Dekinah in Kogi East as the party’s governorship flag-bearer.

With all sense of harmony, one is quick to acknowledge the peaceful atmosphere in which the 2011 political season is observed; another contrast to 2007 exercise when felony, chaos and all form of political offenses trailed the elections. Holding political rallies was almost suicidal as the slightest disagreement would trigger deadly gun battle that could last for hours recording lot of casualties. Now, political rallies have rather become carnivals where supporters whirl and dance to near stupor with deafening cheers in acknowledgement of their respective candidates, most of whom have turned professional singers overnight.

As the clock ticks and the ‘carnival’ spreads, one wonders if the best approach to a general election in Ebiraland is without a ‘common’ agenda. This is due to the obvious.

Major candidates are contesting for such offices as Senatorial, House of Reps/Assembly, Council Chairmanship and Ward Councilors from PDP, ANPP, ACN, APGA, CPC, DPP and NTP. Minority parties’ gubernatorial candidates from the Central Senatorial District seem irrelevant since none can find himself in same acceptable spot as was the instance of Senator M.S. Ohiare in 2007; the only Ebira bearer of governorship ticket for 2011, Nuhu Ozovehe Umar of APGA is unnoticed and dwarfed by mounting support for his famous and celebrated Kogi Eastern (PDP) Counterpart, Alh. Jibril Isah Echocho with other National and state Parliamentary candidates from PDP, ACN, ANPP, CPC, APGA and DPP.

It won’t be wrong to conclude that the current overwhelming support enjoyed by PDP fielded candidates in the Central is courtesy the broad recognition of Ebira (minority) race by President Goodluck Jonathan’s led PDP government of Ebiras through key political appointments and federal project allocations to the area.

Even as some aggrieved aspirants have defected to the opposition parties, their absence leave little or no impact compared to an all-out support given to the emergent opposition built on the platform of Action Congress (AC) to protest the humiliation of Ebira PDP members in the last dispensation. That common agenda produced the much touted ‘Ohiare for Governor’ slogan of 2007 which, with its attendant mayhem, left Anebira with nothing but crumbs of the national cake.

As the people of Kogi Central chant a brand new slogan ahead of 2011 general elections, it is apparent that the opposition era is gone and one can only hope that the ‘pro PDP agenda of 2011 may lead us to through the smooth path we missed in the Senators Ohiare/Ohize led ‘Anti PDP’ revolution of 2007, that we may get a bigger slice of the government cake this time until we are mature enough to baking our own.

Ebira Folk Tales... coming soon

2011-03-25T11:04:00.000+01:00

Cover Design

A book for every Ebira home from Yusuf Muhammed Kabir (+234803 531 4183). Book your copy now.

Ebira Central Mosque: Invitation to Fund Raising

2011-03-12T11:32:00.000+01:00

Invitation Card

LEADERSHIP PROBLEM IN EBIRALAND

2011-02-13T07:42:00.001+01:00

By Ahmad Adoke

The dictionary meaning of a leader is a person who leads, guides or direct others, especially a group. Leadership, therefore, is the role or position of leader.

There is leadership problem when the quality necessary in a leader is lacking. Some of these qualities are patriotism, selflessness and honesty.

Discussing leadership problem in Ebira land is not to say that leaders don’t exist, what is lacking is genuine leaders. One can safely say that up till the era of the 1^st republic, Ebira nation never lacked in good leadership. For instance, through good leadership, Ebira ancestors were never conquered from the various raids carried out by the Nupe jihadists in the 18^th century.

In the same spirit, Ebira people had transformational leaders up till the first republic, whose leadership did not only put the good name of the land in the map of Nigeria but also left legacies of development.

Unfortunately, the kinds of leadership in Ebira today are transactional and possessive individuals whose traits are selfishness, greed divisiveness, violence and lack of patriotism.

The truth about Ebira land is that most of her leaders, especially political leaders, are transactional leaders. Leaders whose sole objective is to satisfy themselves, nourish their ego, even at the expense of the long term common interests of the society.

These are leaders that take advantage of clannish and republican nature of the people to foster their nest. Leaders who will readily neglect the people when their mission is accomplished or when the common interest of the society threatens their interests. These are men who believe only in routine governance. That is, such are leaders who are only happy to just be within the crowd of government without having any meaningful impact on the society, particularly the area they come from. They are those who strongly believe that it must be them alone.

Leaders with these traits are naturally not patriotic, either to their nation or their communities or constituencies but are always prepared to ride over the shoulders of their people to power and use it to develop themselves at the expense of the people.

Such leaders find it difficult to appreciate their need to unite even to achieve their respective goals due to the fear of loosing out in the process. In most cases, they can hardly evolve a collective agenda for the people they claim to lead and even if that agenda is formulated for them, the selfishness that goaded them into politics will make it impossible for them to realize it.

Their people remain backward and they, themselves in most cases, remain in the backwater of politics.

Events in our recent past points to the fact that Ebira as a community is passing through one of the most critical period in her evolvement as a race. And if we must not blow it, we must transit from transactional leadership to transformational leadership.

We must transit from leaders who take dictates from our rivals and detractors. By transformational leadership, I mean leaders who will encourage change in an orderly and constitutional manner. Such leaders should not only reframe from the utilization of violence as a means of entrenching themselves, but will ensure that necessary initiatives taken in introducing changes are of peaceful nature.

We need such leaders that will coordinate the effort of our people in pursuing and achieving the primary goals of our society. We need such leaders that would continually demonstrate courage, decisiveness and forthrightness in making decision, in initiating ideals, in inspiring others to act well, in understanding and analyzing problems and finding solutions to them. Such are leaders we need in our society. Leaders whose sole aim will be to transform men and not to transact them. They equally pride themselves when they are able to ensure the sustainability of the family system, uphold sound educational system, promote housing for all and ensure the availability of employment opportunities. This is what an ideal leader should be.

Ahmad Adoke

Patron, Righteous Onlookers Association

KM 8, Okene-Lokoja Road, Nagazi-Uvete

Adavi LGA.

Email: duniyassf@yahoo.com

Tel: 0803 349 8951

THE ROLES OF EBIRA YOUTHS IN NATION BUILDING

2011-01-16T09:37:00.000+01:00

Being a lecture note delivered at the 2010 end-of-year get-together of the PACESETTER CLUB of EBIRALAND by Omeiza Paul (a freelance writer and editor of Voice of Ebira newspaper) at 1^st Oriental Hotel, Ajaokuta Road, Kogi State. Date:30/12/2010.

I greet everyone seated here today in the name of Almighty God. I welcome you all to this important gathering of the eagles that are set to soar with Ebiraland as their feather. It is, indeed, an honour to be among you all today, and a great privilege to be found worthy of giving the piece of write-up.

Permit me to respectfully ask to be forgiven for not speaking today in line with the topic which this admirable body formally gave me to deliver. I was ‘officially’ directed to speak on the topic “THE ROLES OF YOUTHS IN NATION BUILDING”. But I had meditated upon it and concluded that it was relevant that we, as the youths with the fire of transformation burning in our bones, needed to be the specific youths, and our land which we earnestly seek to reform and transform, becoming the specific nation in the larger Nigeria – thus the birth of this new title: “THE ROLES OF EBIRA YOUTHS IN NATION BUILDING”. Yet, I’m promising you all that the soul, body and spirit of the originally given topic will not be missed out even under the current heading. I’m hoping that I’m forgiven for this humble rudeness, please.

Let us now begin to work on the work of the day for time, as it is said, wait for not us.

ON PLAYING OUR ROLES ARIGHT…

It will be a bit difficult to specifically hold on to a particular definition of the word ‘role’ as its overriding explanation here, yet it is important for us to search for an acceptable and understandable meaning of the word for our usage. First, the Chambers 21^st Century Dictionary (2004 reprint) reminds us that role is “…a function, or a part played or taken on by someone or something in life, business, etc” Here, we have an understanding of the meaning of the word role – that is, the part we undertake in the process of an event. Unless one is dead, we all must be up to something at a given time in our living diary. We constantly play roles everywhere either active or otherwise. In a public show for instance, if we do not have an active part to play then we must have an inactive part, that is if we are not players then we are automatically spectators – yet both sides need each other to function in other to have an eventful and memorable show. Every side has its role for its partakers – one to watch, the other to act.

Again, role means responsibility; whereas the word responsibility is formed from its root word ‘response’. We must hold it fast that it is in our responding to issues around us that we pick up a role to play. So everyday we must perform a role – as long as we breathe in oxygen and digest food. Usually, however, we tend to misplace our roles as humans. Temptations sometimes force one to follow the crowd to taking wrong roles results that are always regrettable. For example, if one are born to rise from a poor background to leading his generation (like Nelson Mandela), such might be tempted while still very young to following his mates who have become truants at schools spending their precious time hustling for yahoo-yahoo pay to buy assorted materials to show off. Becoming a member of these happening kids is a great temptation to overcome; and should one fall for them, the brighter star upon his head as a future leader begins to dim. Well, the day those fellows are caught consequent to their nefarious acts may likely be the last day star that is destined for greatness dims last; it may black-out thenceforth – which is the result of misplacing one’s role to peer temptation. And by this mistake, many promising stars have been driven to the back seat in life today, and many more have died especially in the marketplace of mercenary to some political business-men.

Having said this, those who have stepped rightly in their roles in the pursuits of life are surely marking their indelible footprint in the sands of time. And they will be remembered for how many souls they placed ladders for to climb to higher grounds and their unforgettable contributions to other areas that bring succor to their generations – simply because they know their roles and are functioning perfectly therein. Going to the West, in the heat of the segregation that plagued the blacks in the United States (US), public places were conspicuously divided for the Blacks and the Whites; whereas the dirtiest, filthiest places were meant for the blacks. A black man must not seat in a public bus while a white stood; such black could be fiercely punished and fined. Yet, the Blacks who stood for the emancipation of their fellows were then youths who played different roles: Rosa Parks was a seamstress (tailor); Martin Luther King Jr. was a preacher; Phillis Wheatley, a writer and poet; Benjamin Banneker, a Mathematician; Jesse Owens, an athlete, etcetera. These people’s roles remain the ladder through which a black man (President Barrack Obama) climbed the coveted Oval Office also known as the White House in the US.

And the question before us today is one; with our chosen pursuits, are we perfectly playing our roles to effect positive changes before our misplaced, misinformed and misguided generation?

ON THE ENERGY CALLED YOUTHS…

Who is a youth, we ask? In an attempt to expatiate the word youth, the online version of Meriam-Webstar’s Dictonary and Thesaurus states that the youth is, “the time of life when one is young; especially the period between childhood and maturity.” In this definition, we are caught in the web of two words, ‘childhood’ and ‘maturity’. We are told that the substance of being a youth falls between those of being a child and an adult (maturity).

When then is one considered as a child and as matured person? Let us seek help from the Macmillan English Dictionary for Advanced Learners (International Student Edition); and in here, we are told that childhood is “the time of your life when you are a child” noting that a child is “a young person from the time they are born until they are about 14 years old.” Clearly, it is of our knowledge now that childhood is the period of day-one of one’s birth till about age 14; so you are a child if you fall in this parameter. Then we are told of the period of maturity in the same dictionary as, “the qualities and behaviour that you would expect of a sensible adult.” And that an adult is, “someone who is no longer a child and is legally responsible for their actions.” Now, we must understand that a youth is not yet mature to be assumed as an adult, whereas he is not immature to be assumed as a child, too. But a youth, as we can establish in this definitions, is the vibrant live-wire between the periods of being responded to as a child and that of being responsible (legally) to others as a mature adult. Which means at the stage of being a youth, the freedom of exploring the limitless adventures of the good and ills of the society is at its fullest. How? The youths are not fully being responded to by his parents like a child – neither do they wholesomely hold much legally binding responsibility like parents do. The youthful period is the energy of life; the time explore and exploit the sweetness (and bitterness) of tempting freedoms. We surely know what it means to be freed from parental ‘chains’, and the temptations of such freedom. It is the ripe time to make one’s path in life reputably good or bad.

But how then do we build good reputations as youths? By making the foundation of one’s life solid – and building it with qualitative blocks and bricks that can never be rocked to the ground by winds or rains. One of the foundational stones of a good reputation is sound spirituality; our unbreakable devotion to the Most High. God is the Porter who carved every living soul; He is the Porter that we must constantly return to if we must not be broken on the fiery stove (fire) of life. He is the Unchangeable Changer that can change our adversities to advantages, our trials to triumphs, our formidable temptations to adorable jubilations… He is the Manifold Wisdom that can make us wiser than Solomon to overcoming troubling questions raging like the sea waves against our lives.

And the building bricks and blocks to raising good reputations are threefold: one, intellectual; two, physical, and thirdly, relational.

Now, the Encyclopaedia Britannica Student and Home Edition helps us visualize intelligence as, “mental quality that consists of the abilities to learn from experience, adapt to new situations, understand and handle abstract concepts, and use knowledge to manipulate one’s environment” Observing this definition, we see the supremacy of mental soundness (“mental quality”) as the foundation of sound intellect. It pictures intellectuals as people who learn constantly; they submit to changes resulting from their education, and with their acquired knowledge always working ways to improve on their immediate and distant environments. Intellectuals do not build bridges where there is no water; they influence minds to taking up lofty and patriotic tasks that can correct the ills of their society. They investigate to mitigate problems, and they question to correct unhealthy situations around their settings. So, a reputable youth must be intellectually overflowing.

Physically, we all are not equally made; some are tall, others are short. But all are fitted to solving one problem or another in our society irrespective of height or disability. But our point of concern here is of our hygienic devotion to our physical health. The kinds of intakes we allow our bellies contain determine our looks, longevity and capability – and our strength. For the lifespan of those addicted to hemp or alcohol are never at par with the non-alcoholics. And the rational behaviors of the alcoholic and the non-alcoholic are a gulf apart, too. In the choice of a leader, you and I know whom the cap fits between those addicted to stimulant stuffs and those not addicted; whereas there we find the place of a reputable youth, choosing the honourable part of staying clean, healthy and serene.

Coming to the relational side, it is said that no-one is an island. As humans we must co-habit, we must relate with others. Yet one of the hardest human behavioral traits is the ability to relate maximally without unnecessary frictions; many can neither accommodate their neighbors nor tolerate any other partner for long in a relationship. Many love to dominate to accommodate, instead of cultivating the ability to subordinating oneself to others irrespective of age, status and stature. It is humility and the ability to endure the foibles of others that place one above his equals. It is like saying the way up is down; being a servant-leader fellow. A highly reputable young mind treats his/her neighbour as he/she loves to be treated.

To display such great virtues makes an ordinary youth a sought-after gold among equals. Such virtues emanate from devoted reverence to spirituality, disciplined fellowship with intellectuals, diligent breeding of relational instinct, and dedicated attendance to healthy physical hygiene. Many of the world’s great heroes – Mahatma Ghandi of India; Nelson Mandela of South Africa; Jomo Kenyatta of Kenya; Obafemi Awolowo, etcetera – have these traits scribbled in their lives while soaring to the top. The challenge is this: one must not ask for tasks equal to his power; it must be power equal to any given, profitable task!

ON EBIRA AS A NATION…

Writing on the back page of the Nation newspaper of Sunday, February 10, 2008, one of Nigeria’s most respected columnists, Idowu Akinlotan, produced an image of the Ebira-tao thus, “There are the Ebiras in the centre, tempestuous but practical and impatient… And while the Ebira can hardly see well through the hot vapour of their fiery temper…” Really, the writer was writing on “Exposing Kogi’s Mediocrity” taking a look at the three main ethnic groups in Kogi State, whereas he qualified the Igalas as “numinous and domineering”, and the Okun in the West as “a studious but sedate and officious people.” Well, I still search for further fitting words to describe the peoples of Kogi as the ones used above. But my concern here is the picture made of the Ebiras. Could he be totally correct?

It is still a matter of hushed debate on which of the various historical accounts of the Ebira-Tao nation is authentic and acceptable. Many sides still tell stories of the history of the coming to the Central of the Ebira people. For this purpose, it is useful we make do with our recent history in order to find ways to improving on its weaknesses. Like many other lands, Ebiraland has produced great minds and thinkers working within and outside this nation. Our older siblings have held exalted positions of authority here and elsewhere (and some are still holding places of pride today) – and to name names here now will take every space left for us. Many are they who are truly making the Ebira nation proud by their silent labours world-wide.

Frankly, on the other side, as Akinlotan puts it, are our weakening attributes; “…tempestuous…impatient…hardly see(ing) well through the hot vapour of their (our) fiery temper.” We are practical but we endure too little; we are industrious but not constructive, and we are highly religious but less Godly. To endure, to be constructive and to be more Godly have been a hilly trip for us to undertake. Taking the nature of electioneering in this land and the celebration of festivities like Echane and Ekuechi for examples, one is pricked by the avoidable bloodshed and death that usually trailed these calendar moments in our lives; truly tempestuous used to be these seasons. Also, by the reason of using hot vapour of our fiery temper where calculative movements were demanded, this land has lost profitable and respectable positions of authority to other lands in the time past. Violence has been so unleashed on the land by these weaknesses that it is depriving the future a better place among their equals in high places already. An average Ebira is recognized today outside this land as a violent, unforgiving fellow. It is the peculiar identity card handed us by the period of showdowns (bloodshed, arson, theft, etc) the land had witnessed. Yet, one thing is sure: change is possible…and it begins with you…and I…today!

ON THE ROLES OF THE YOUTHS…

The easiest and simplest job in the world today is to blame: to blame the governments for our bad roads; our parents for not paying our fees on time; our friends for dirtying our rooms…I mean, give a man a day to correct a situation he could undertake within five hours and see him cussing and blaming the cause for twenty-three hours. It is hardest to see blame on us, or to even gather others to repair the ‘government’ roads, source for our own fees earlier and sweep the room much better without apportioning blames to Dick and Harry. While we may cry to high heavens, the problems remain the same until we courageously gather the energy to act. It would never change until we are changed to change it; it remains the same as long as we remain the same, and we will keep getting the same solution if our formula remains the same.

Every exposed, widely traveled and extensively read Ebira youth, going by our definitions so far, is an instrument needed for the change this land deserve. We already know what role means and where it is exercised, we know that youths are the energy of the land – which means they are the main undertakers of all inevitable change occurring in the land – and we know the peculiar curable disease afflicted on Ebira nation. In short, we have been equipped with the necessary ingredients (of the land and its deserving change) to which we must arise to effect and affect the change we dream of. Someone said, “Every youth who is ambitious to grow to the full stature of noble manhood must make up his mind at the start that he got to be bigger than the things that are trying to down (pull) him. If he doesn’t he will go down with them.” How do you overcome the bogey of impatience since you seek to grow to the full stature of becoming a patient, noble manhood? How do you speak and act the language of non-violence in a setting where even some grayish fellows mastermind unrest by misinforming the youths?

One, play your role – and in playing your role, you must understand that you are the change you want to see. You cannot give what you do not have, so you only can give patience to the impatient – if you have it. It is important we begin to cultivate those great virtues of forgiveness, patience, endurance, charity and brotherly love. You must be ready to turn the other cheek when this side appeared slapped even by the least expected neighbour of yours! It is a hard way, but is one of the easiest ways to a noble manhood. Again, it is your role to always practice what you preach. You must become the flesh and blood of your continuous sermon of peace and love; it must become your own lifestyle. Do not make it a matter of do-as-I-say; let it be do-as-I-do – doing unto others what you want them to do to you. Whenever you foresee unhealthy situation worthy of causing violence, you must cry out and reach out to your friends of like minds for the crusade of rigorous enlightenment and education. I tell you, it will be a hard trip, but nothing comes easy; you are only writing your names on the good pages of history.

As youths with zeal and overflowing energy, now is the time to make imprints in your nation of birth with your gifts and/or talents. If you strive to be fit spiritually, physically, relationally and intellectually, it is then you directly and/or indirectly affect and inspire the erring “boys” around you, and then those from afar would begin to trace your blazing stars to you with respect and admiration.

True, Ebiraland is a part of this nation thirsting for a positive change. Fortunately, you are the only ones – my dear friends – who must stand up against those shortsighted old guards for the proclamation of freedom from internal disunity, clannish go-slow, regressive politicking – and the victory over impatient, hot temper, unforgiving spirits, etc. And, in doing this my brothers and sisters, you must not wear the garment of domination for accommodation; you must be humble and meek in the preaching and practice of the change you desire. The road will be rough; you will be persecuted, abused and harassed by those whose sights are yet to be complemented with light especially the Machiavellians who have been feasting on the violence in the land, but just make them see the unshakable force of nonviolence over violence; the place of order against disorder, and the need to letting “boys” grow into men instead of sending them to early graves. Just like this club, THE PACESETTERS CLUB OF EBIRALAND, is set to battle ignorance by imparting knowledge on young minds across Ebiraland, we must all begin to win the battle over violence with the knowledgeable messages of non-violence. It is the time for you to rise and let your stars shine; do not hold back nor hold on because it is not over until is over. As you will rise up from here today to positively set the pace to changing Ebiraland, I Charge you in the words of the legendary Martin Luther King Jr., “We, the disinherited of this land, we who have been oppressed so long, are tired of going through the long night of captivity. And now we are reaching out for the daybreak of freedom and justice and equality…we must keep God in the forefront… Not only are we using the tools of persuasion… Not only is this thing a process of education but it is also a process of legislation… As we stand and sit here this evening and as we prepare ourselves for what lies ahead, let us go out with a grim and bold determination that we are going to stick together. We are going to work together. Right here in Montgomery, when the history books are written in the future, somebody will have to say, “There lived a race of people, a black people…a people who had the moral courage to stand up for their rights. And there they injected a new meaning into the veins of history and of civilisation””

Finally, permit me to sound this canon of warning: the time is coming when you would be tempted with money to forego your noble cause of reformation, revival and renewal. Big men and women would tempt you. As a guide, I provide the guiding principle with which Mahathma Ghandi uprooted oppressive and ignorant clouds from India in his days. He tagged it the seven deadliest sins we must watch: one, wealth without works; two, pleasure without conscience; three, science without humanity; four, knowledge without character; five, commerce without morality; six, politics without principles, and seven, worship without sacrifice. You can register this in your heart as a navigational compass. I understand that all of you have been converged here today from different streets of Ebiraland; Ihima to Ohiana, Ebiya through Ogaminana, Eika through Uruvucheba…but you need to return home today as the only one who will change the lives of the so called boys in your area, while you indirectly send the thieves using them before out of business. What have I left unsaid than calling us to “Arise, O compatriots…Ebira unity and progress call…obey!”

Thank you all for your time.

Email: omeizino@yahoo.com;

Tel: 08065055031 (SMS please)

EMERGENCY: Let's Save Sefiya

2011-01-11T22:57:00.001+01:00

Picture showing Sefiya before and after the accident

A young lady lying helpless at the Cedar crest hospital @ l 4 Amurie Omanze street, off Ladoke Akintola blvd., Garki 2, Abuja.

She jumped from a 3 storey building following a fire outbreak at her home, IBM crescent, Utako Abuja and sustained severe fractures on her Lumbar, Pelvic, Wrist and Leg. Now, she requires and urgent surgery on her spine at a whooping sum of N1.8million Naira (N1,800,000).

Sefiya jimoh is an orphan living under the custody of a foster parent and a 300 level political science student of university of abuja distant learning centre. She is soliciting financial support from kind-hearted individuals and organizations to save her life.

HER BANK ACCOUNT DETAIL:
Sefi Jimoh, G.T.B
Acct. No: 3243457171820. Phone: 08188304250

Whoever partakes in saving the life of this helpless girl will be abundantly blessed by almighty God. Please send in your contribution as she requires urgent surgery. God bless you

BEFORE ACCIDENT

AFTER ACCIDENT - HOSPITALIZED

Proudly Anebira

2011-01-11T09:35:00.000+01:00

Amoto Ahachè dressed in Ebira tradtional attire known as Okù atähu.

Proudly Anebira

Kogi State needs a federal university

2011-01-08T12:00:00.002+01:00

Kogi State, which was cre-ated out of Benue State on August 27, 1991, currently has a population of over four million people.
Kogi State is the 13th largest state in Nigeria, with 21 local government areas and the most centrally-located of all the states of the country, including the Federal Capital Territory.
It is the most bounded state of the federation, hence, the salient reason for high influx of people into the state. Shortly after the creation of the state in 1991, the state- owned university was established in 1999 and commenced full academic activities in 2000, under the dynamic and astute technocrat of international outlook, Prince Abubakar Audu, as the governor of the state.
Audu established and equipped the university with the state of the art facilities of international standard. With all the courses of the university fully accredited, available lecture theatres for all faculties and abundant laboratory equipment. Kogi State university receives high number of applications from admission-seekers every year than any other state university and more than some of the federal and private institutions in the country.
Kogi State is second in the number of students’ enrolment into the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Benue State University, Makurdi, Nasarrawa State University, Federal University of Technology, Minna, University of Abuja, and trails forth in the University of Jos from the North Central states. Kogi State has the highest number of students enrolment in the eastern universities and second behind Benue in the North-West and North-East universities.
Kogi State indigenes are academic nomads, as they are ubiquitously found in all the tertiary institutions across the country and beyond. With the proposed hydrocarbon refinery in the state, and the revamping of Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited which are underway, the state is in dire need of at least, one federal university of technology.
This is so because, these manpower consuming companies, and other cottage industries in the state would be starved of highly-competent, totally committed and dedicated workforce, if the dreams of having them is realisable.
As a matter of fact, the University of Ilorin, Jos, the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, the Federal University of Technology, Minna and the University of Abuja, which are all federal universities within the North-Central of Nigeria were established in the order of state creation.
Kogi State, which is six years older than Nasarrawa, with population of over 4 million, 21 local governments urgently needs a federal- owned university than any other state in the North-Central.
Onogwu Isah Muhammed,
President, Kogi Youth Coalition For Good Governance
Kogi State.

Remembering Abu Limit, 1943 - 2010

2011-01-08T09:00:00.001+01:00

INNA LILLAHI WA'INA ILAYHI RAJIUN

With glory to almighty Allah for a life well spent and with a deep sense of loss, we regrettably announce the death of our father, mentor, community leader and elder statesman, Alhaji Chief (Dr.) Abubakar Ibrahim (a.k a Abu Limit)

Late Alhaji Abubakar Ibrahim (1943-2010)

He died at the National Hospital Abuja on December 26th, 2010 after a brief illness. Until his death, Alh. (Dr.) Abubakar Ibrahim was the Chairman and Chief executive officer of the famous Limit Nigeria Limited, reputable for high quality concrete electricity poles production in Nigeria, a reputation the industry has retained for over 3 decades.

Late Abubakar Ibrahim popularly known among Ebiras as Abu Limit, was one of Ebira greatest industrialists of our time whose industrial passion has won him a doctorate degree from All Saints University, USA in 2001. His business zeal also attracted the attention of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, HRM (Dr.) Ado Ibrahim when he turbaned him as the Ohi Ohu of Ebiraland on the 24th December, 2004.

Honourary Doctoral Award

This late business mogul has, over his tireless working years, built a vast business empire, leaving behind a legacy of hardwork, determination to succeed, simplicity and focus.

Your loss came as a rude shock to us; your family and entire Ebira community as we didn't expect you would leave us so soon.

We will not only continue to remember your fatherly love and humane nature, but will follow your lead, enliven the spirit of hardwork you have ignited in us and contiue to build upon the vast industrial platform you have laid for us all.

WISHING YOU ETERNAL REST IN JANNATUL FIRDAUS.

Sponsored by: Alhaji Hadi Abubakar (Son)

Final resting place of Abu Limit

Press Release on EYC NEC Meeting on National Issues

2011-01-07T23:16:00.001+01:00

EBIRA YOUTH CONGRESS (EYC)

National Secretariat

P.O. Box 781, Okene, Kogi State, Nigeria

3rd January, 2011

Press Release

The National Executive Council of the above named umbrella body of youths of Kogi Central Senatorial district, rising from an emergency meeting on 26^th December, 2010, to review the state of the nation as it affects the people of Kogi Central wishes to place on record the following resolutions:

Security Concerns on the Impending General Elections: The NEC commends the INEC leadership for its avowal to ensure that it meets the expectations of Nigerians, in terms of conducting free fair and credible elections in 2011. Council however, notes that this determination would be unrealistic if critical security measures are not put in place for the security of the votes cast. This security concern stems from the widely reported disappearance of twenty (20) of the initial 6,500 DDC machines before the glare of Airport security. Besides the issue of securing electoral materials, there is also the issue of vulnerability of the electorate in certain areas of the country.

Given the above observations, the NEC feels strongly, and therefore appeals to the Federal Government, that flash points across the country, such as Kogi Central, need be given serious security beef up during electioneering campaigns and elections proper to forestall breakdown of law and order. Also, to avoid incidents of diversion of electoral materials, NEC appeals to INEC to ensure regular publication of the voter’s registration and electoral materials dispatched to every state, Kogi State in particular. This would not only ensure transparency at the state level, it would assist greatly in checking incidents of criminal diversion of such materials by men of influence driven by lust to sustain political hegemony and remain perpetually at the corridors of power, which characterized previous exercises in Kogi State.

The new Federal University granted Kogi State: The NEC, while appreciating the Federal Government for granting Kogi State a federal university, appeals the FG to consider the issue of location of the university dispassionately. This is against the backdrop of the very obvious penchant of the current Kogi state administration in politicizing every federal government policy requiring state input in favour of the governor’s district, in utter disregard to the security implications of such.

The NEC notes that of the three senatorial districts, the Kogi East need not be considered at all for the siting of the federal university given the fact that apart from the Kogi State University located there, all the three tiers of tertiary institutions have been established there while the Kogi Central and Kogi West barely have one each. The Table below highlights the distribution of the tertiary institutions in Kogi state:

Location of the Tertiary Institutions in Kogi State

S/No.	Kogi East	Kogi Central	Kogi West
1	Kogi State University, Anyigba	None	Ahmadu Bello University (A Unit of the Faculty of Agric)
2	Federal Polytechnic, Idah	Kogi State Polytechnic (the School of Mines and Metallurgy), Osara campus	Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja
3	Kogi State College of Education, Ankpa	Federal College of Education, Okene	Kogi State College of Education (Technical), Kabba
4	School of Health Technology, Idah	School of Nursing, Obangede	None

As a socio-cultural body concerned about equity, fair-play, social justice and committed to peaceful co-existence, we earnestly appeal to the FG to critically examine the above Table with a view to taking decision, independent of Kogi state government, in siting the federal university.

Thank you.

OGIRIMA Nuhu

President General

Sketch History of Ebira (Itopa Ebira)

2011-01-06T03:12:00.000+01:00

ORIGIN OF THE EBIRAS

An elder beats the Agidibo to salute the spirits (Photo by EbiraView)

Ebira Tao is the largest of the several Ebira groups found in about 8 states of Nigeria including the Federal Capital Teritory (FCT). The other sister groups are Egbura Koto and Ebira Mozum (Kogi state), Ebira Panda, Ebira Oje/Toto (Nassarawa state), Ebira Etuno (Edo state), Ebira Agatu (Benue state) Ebira Oloko (Ondo/Oyo/Osun states).

Written records about the origin of the Ebira people were those compiled from palace sources by the British colonial administrators in early 20th century. The Ebira, through oral tradition, trace their descent to Wukari (in the present Taraba state) where they were a constituent part of the Kwararafa confederation. In about 1680 AD, they (along with the Idoma and Igala) migrated out of Wukari a chieftaincy dispute.

The Ebira later split into various groups and settled in different locations between 1680 and 1750 AD.

The Ebira Tao first sojourned with the Igalas at Idah but later crossed the River Niger and settled at Ebira Opete located the vicinity of Upake in Ajaokuta LGA. The 'father' of the Ebira Tao who led them to this premier settlement in Ebiraland was Itaazi. Itaazi had five (5) sons who all later migrated from Ebira Opete and were the founders of the various districts in Ebiraland. The children and the districts they founded are Adaviruku/Ohizi (Adavi), Ododo (Okehi), Obaji (Eyika), Uga (Okengwe) and Ochuga/Onotu (Ihima). His daughter named Ohunene settled in Eganyi district.

Members of the various clans in Ebiraland are descendants of the children of Itaazi. Ohizi had five children who are progenitors of the five traditional Adavi clans named after them. These are upopo-uvete (Apasi), Uka, Idu (Aniku), Adeyika and Uhwami. A migrant group from Eganyi known as Ezi-Onogu clan is also found in Adavi. The sons of Ododo who are the ancestors of Okehi clans were Okovi Oviri and Enwgukonyai. Obaji the founder of Eika had ten children named Ohiaga, Iyewe, Avassa, Ehemi, Anchi, Epoto, Egiri, Ubobo, Ogu and Eyire. Uga of Okengwe had two sons whose children constitute the present Okovi and Agada group of clans. Due to a sizeable concentration of other Ebira clans in Okengwe district, they formed a socio-political coalition known as Ada-ehi. Ochuga had six children and their descendants make up the six clans in Ihima.

These are Emani, Oha/Idu, Ohueta, Ure, Ohongwa and Odumi. The seventh clan is Akuta who migrated from Okengwe. Though Itaazi's daughter named Ohunene was the founder of Eganyi, not all the clans there are descended from her. Eganyi clans are Ede, Esugu, Eheda, Ogu, Onoko, Idu, Anavapa and Ogodo. The Aningere who are skilled craftsmen are found in all districts. They are, however, more concentrated in Okengwe and Adavi districts.

LOCATION AND SIZE

Ebiraland, the home of Ebira Tao, is located in the central senatorial District of Kogi state. It has a landmass of 3,426 sq km. The 1991 national census puts the population of the area 722,032. Another national head count was undertaken in 2006. The provisional figure of 884,396 released by the National Population Commission (NPC) is being disputed. It is distributed as follows: Okene LGA (320,260), Adavi LGA (202,194), Okehi LGA (199,999), Ajaokuta LGA (122,321) and Ogori Magongo LGA (39,622).

THE PEOPLE

The Ebira people are republican by nature, outspoken and very hard working. Farming and cloth-weaving are occupations for which the Ebiras are well known. They are presently spread in five Local Government Areas of Kogi state namely: Adavi, Okene, Okehi, Ajaokuta and Ogori-magongo. A sizeable number is also found in Lokoja Local Government Area and Oyo states. The paramount ruler of the people is called Ohinoyi of Ebiraland. The Ebira cherish their traitional festivals in spite of the infiltration of some negative tendencies.

EBIRA HEROES/HEROINES

There are several people who made tremendous impact on Ebira nation in ancient times. These were:

1. Itaazi - 'FATHER' or progenitor of Ebira Tao people

2. Ohizi (Adaviruku) - Son of Itaazi and founder of Adavi district

3. Ododo - Son of Itaazi and founder of Okehi district

4. Obaji - Son of Itaazi and founder of Eika district

5. Uga - Son of Itaazi and founder of Okengwe district

6. Ochuga - Youngest son of Itaazi and founder of Ihima district

7. Ohunene - Daughter of Itaazi and founder of Ihima district

8. Obege Ikaturu - Greatest herbalist in Ebira history

9. Otase - Greatest marksman in Ebira history

10. Atta Omadivi Abonika - Ebira war commander during the 1885 Ajinimo war (Nupe invasion of Ebiraland in which Ebira defeated the Nupe)

11. Ovanesi - War commander during the Ebira/Bassa war where the Bassa were defeated (1890).

12. Zainab Ejinovo Iyebe - Princess and later 'Queen mother' of imense influence

13. Atta Ibrahim Onoruoyiza - Leader with great vision and father of modern Ebira

14. Onono Idogido - Great social crusader and leader of 1951 women revolt against taxation.

15. Raji Abdallah - nationalist who fought for Nigeria's independence along with Nnamdi Azikiwe and Obafemi Awolowo. He was imprisoned by the British colonialists.

CULTURAL FESTIVALS (ECHE-OZI ETE)

The Ebiras have several annaul cultural festivals. Three of the most prominent ones are 'Echane', 'Eche Ori' and 'Ekuechi'.

ECHE-ANE

This is an annual masquerade festival celebrated in rotation from one district to the other in Ebiraland (between April-June). In the past, it was only during the period of the festival that betrothed girls were given away in marriage to their suitors. That is why the festival is called 'Eche-ane' (women festival). Masquerades, though carried long canes, came out primarily to entertain people and received gifts in return. It is regrettable that this very popular and interesting festival has been bastardized and now a source of constant breach of peace.

ECHE-ORI

'Eche Ori' is a new yam festival celebrated only in two districts in Ebiraland. These are Ihima and Eganyi. During the festival, traditional worshippers make sacrifices in the secret groove of 'Ori' (deity) high up in the mountain to show gratitude for its protection and provision of bounteous harvest.

The worshipers carry long canes with which they whip one another in turns without anyone exhibiting any sign of pain. This is a mark of strength or manhood. Another important attraction of the festival is the delightful 'Echori' music in which female singers feature prominently. Only after this festival can one eat or sell new yams in the market as it is a taboo to do so before the festival in Ihima and Eganyi.

EKUECHI

This is a night masquerade festival which marks the end of the Ebira calendar year and the beginning of a new one. Ododo is popularly acclaimed to be the initiator of this masquerade festival. The 'Akatapa' masquerade in heralding the beginning of the festival often say "Irayi ododo osi gu, Irayi akatapa osi gu eeeh! Osa yeeeh!" which means "the year of the Ododo has ended; the year of Akatapa has ended. Here is another year".

The festival begins with a festival eve in which folk singers (ome ikede) perform to the delight of both men and women. The following day, the real festival in which masquerades sing and dance to entertain people from dusk to dawn takes place. It is restricted to men only so all women stay indoors throughout the duration of the festival. All dead relatives are believed to return to a earth on a visit this night, so, women prepare delicious 'Apapa' (bean read) and he-goat meat for the visitors. The women also, at times, leave monetary gifts with the men for the visiting dead relatives. Trust men, the meals and gifts are properly and neatly delivered to the beneficiaries who only the men have the privilege of seeing and interacting with, that night.

Source: Oyikete Ebira, by S.S. Salami

Speculations over Eneramo’s next ‘port of call’

2011-01-03T18:36:00.000+01:00

ENERAMO

Specualtions have continued to trail the return of Mike Eneramo to Esperence following a long drag by the duo. The 24-year-old Nigeria international is currently back home on holidays and over the festive period graced the wedding of his older brother in Okene, Kogi State.

Meanwhile, the Tunisian champions Esperance have signed Mali international striker Dramane Traore on a two and half years contract.

The former Lokomotiv Moscow striker arrived Tunis Friday to hold transfer talks with Esperance.

It is widely believed that Traore will be a direct replacement for Nigerian striker Michael Eneramo, who is likely to leave the Tunis side this winter.

Traore is staging a second coming to Tunisia having featured for another Tunis-based side Club Africain between 2004 and 2006.

Source: TheNation Newspaper

2011: As a new year begins

2011-01-01T18:24:00.000+01:00

As Year 2010 ends, if I was asked: how did Anebira mark the period, I'll say that I witnessed:
- Influx of people into Ebiraland, like never before
- Unbearable traffic on highways and feeder roads across the community, like never before
- Social functions with huge turnouts everyday, every hour, everywhere..like never before
- Hotels and guests houses filled up; guests squatting or vacating rooms for friends and visitors
- Long queues that stretched beyond bank premises to the roads
- Exhausted ATMs; visitors resorting to tight budget or borrowing from friends to keep up with expenses
- Colourful outings of people irrespective of occasion headed or religious affiliation
- Round the clock traffic control by men of the FRSC, Civil Defense corps and the police force, like never before
- Joy, merry making and prayers for a more peaceful and eventful season's celebration in years to come as Anebira marked one of the most memorable festive celebration ever.
Plus, I took pictures until my camera memory could accommodate no more. Within, I felt so satisfied that I lost appetite for food.
My prayer and advice: Let's work collectively for the speedy realization of the great Ebira nation we all dream of. If we put our house in order, we can effectively contribute our quota towards a greater Nigeria.
This is wishing everyone a peaceful and prosperous new year, 2011.
Anyari irayi owowa nini o!

Signed: Ismail M. Kabir - Founder/CEO, EbiraView.
Tel: 0803 825 0570
Email: ebiraview@gmail.com

Ahmed Weds Sefiya

2010-12-31T21:56:00.000+01:00

By Ismail M. Kabir

The Couple of Year 2010

Like a send-off get-together for the year 2010, the premises of the prestigious Dabras Hotel turned a carnival ground for the numerous guests that turned up at the wedding reception of the duo of Alhaji Ahmed Umar and Sefiya Ozigis.

The ceremony began with the wedding fatiha conducted by the chief Imam of Ebiraland, Alhaji Musa Galadima at the GRA,Okene in conjuction with Sheikh Luqman Musa Galadima. The couple were adivsed to emulate the exemplary lifestyle of their mentor and big brother, Alhaji Sanusi Abubakar who has, in his humane nature, brought smiles and renewed hope to thousands of less privileged and orphans across Ebira communities and beyond.

Few hours after the Fatiha, guests began arriving in glamorous appearances that symbolised class and pomp. The highpoint of the event was the royal arrival of the father of the day, the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, HRM (Dr.) Ado Ibrahim who was received with a standing ovation.

The Ohinoyi, in this rare appearance, assured the couple of a successful married life as long as they respect and agree to the guidance of their guardian, the elder brother to the groom, Alhaji Sanusi Abubakar. He said that since Sanusi remains committed to alleviating the plight of the ordinary people in the society, many will be proud associating with and praying for the success of his family and generations unborn.

The chairman of Okene Local Govt, Alhaji Yahaya Karaku who doubled as the chairman of the occassion, held a lenghty prayer for the couple while equally assuring them of a happy life owing to the joy the groom's family has brought to several anebira through Asmau Foundation. He promised to remain committed to peacefuland harmonious living in Okene.

Karaku also used the occassion in urging mass participation in the forth-coming voters' registration exercise, stressing that such exercise provided another chnace to prove our population and ensure victory of our choice candidates at the polls, come 2011 general elections.

The event was attended by many dignitatries including politcaloffice holders at both national and state level,business tycoons and professionals among whom were the chief justice of kogi state, Justice Nasir Ajanah, Hon. Suleiman Abdul Kokori represting Okene/Ogori-magongo federal continuency, Alhaji Kabir Badamasuiy, Abul Lateef Bello Babamba among others.

The couple charged the guests with their inviting dance steps that attracted free spray of naira notes by family members and well wishers.

Alh. Sanusi pays homage to Ohinoyi

Father of the day, HRM (Dr.) Ado Ibrahim, Ohinoyi of Ebiraland

Hajia Sabiat Sanusi Abubakar

Couple's arrival

Couple

Bridal Train

Royal blessing for the couple

Admittance into marital home conducted by Okene LG boss, Alh. Yahya Karaku

Images of Ebiraland

Ekuku Dam project included in 2012 Budget - Sen. Abatemi

Abatemi-Usman pushes for reinstatement of disengaged Customs officers

Visit to Upogo Waterfall, Okene

Town Hall meeting by Hon. Yusuf Ahmed Tijani

Between Ando and Adoke

Adavi Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow

Road Walk/Public Sensitization on Breast Cancer holds in Ebiraland

Okene: When the water runs dry

An Orphan, Maths-Whiz Kid makes the Community Proud

Join the 5,000 Man Walk

2011 Elections: A call for caution

'A New Song' As Anebira Head For 2011 Polls

Ebira Folk Tales... coming soon

Ebira Central Mosque: Invitation to Fund Raising

LEADERSHIP PROBLEM IN EBIRALAND

THE ROLES OF EBIRA YOUTHS IN NATION BUILDING

EMERGENCY: Let's Save Sefiya

HER BANK ACCOUNT DETAIL: Sefi Jimoh, G.T.B Acct. No: 3243457171820. Phone: 08188304250

Whoever partakes in saving the life of this helpless girl will be abundantly blessed by almighty God. Please send in your contribution as she requires urgent surgery. God bless you

Proudly Anebira

Kogi State needs a federal university

Remembering Abu Limit, 1943 - 2010

Press Release on EYC NEC Meeting on National Issues

Sketch History of Ebira (Itopa Ebira)

Speculations over Eneramo’s next ‘port of call’

2011: As a new year begins

Ahmed Weds Sefiya

HER BANK ACCOUNT DETAIL:
Sefi Jimoh, G.T.B
Acct. No: 3243457171820. Phone: 08188304250