Groundnut farming going into extinction in Benue

Many years ago, groundnut was produced in commercial quantity in Benue State but the situation is no longer the same in recent times. Cultivation of the crop has gradually dropped. Farmers fear that groundnut production may soon stop if government fails to take any measure to revive its production. A groundnut farmer, Saa Gbue, cultivates five hectares of groundnut each year but he gets far less than his expectation during harvest, reaping between 150 and 180 bags only. Gbue, the state’s chairman of the National Groundnut Producers, Processors and Marketing Association (NGPPMA), blames his losses on poor yielding seed variety, lack of modern equipment and inability to control diseases affecting the crop. He laments that there are hardly any incentives to groundnut farmers in the state to boost their production, stressing that the present state government fails to recognise its importance. He said: “Even when we were using local implements to farm groundnut, at least, fertiliser was readily available for us to apply to get moderate harvest. But now, we have no implements or fertiliser. The biggest problem militating against the successful production of the crop is non-availability of good seedlings.” Another farmer in Oju Local Government Area of the state, Genesis Odey, says that the challenges affecting the production of the crop are enormous, listing the inability of the farmers to access good seedlings and control of groundnut disease as crucial problems. The disease, Odey says, results in poor harvest and affects value chain of the crop, pointing out that a hectare of farmland which is supposed to produce between 30 and 35 bags now produces only seven bags after harvest. To overcome the challenges, Gbue urges the government to revive groundnut production in the state and, by so doing, rekindle the lost hope of farmers. The disease, says Gbue, changes the colour of the crop’s seed, and makes it bitter and rotten soon after harvest, thus, reducing its market value and decreasing profit margin for the owner. He expressed confidence that if the federal government’s initiative to introduce science-based innovations to revive the groundnut industry in Nigeria is successful, it would rapidly increase production of export quantity in places such as Kwande, Konshisha, Ukum, Oju and Obi local government areas of the state, notable for producing the crop in commercial quantity. Meanwhile, the Benue State Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Comrade Aondona Kuhe, has attributed the drop in production partially to climate changes and mainly due to lack of incentives to farmers.

Stop stigmatizing women with infertility problem – Aisha Buhari

The wife of the President, Mrs Aisha Buhari, has expressed dismay over the level of stigmatization faced by women living with infertility in Nigeria. Mrs Buhari made the remark on Wednesday in Abuja at an event organised MERCK Pharmaceutical Company in partnership with her pet project “Future Assured’ Initiative.” She said that the ways to address the problem was through increased awareness and empowering women with infertility problem. Mrs Buhari, who was represented by Mrs Dolapo Osinbajo, wife of the Vice President, said that there was a need to educate pregnant women to avoid maternal death. She said that female genital mutilation was another problem faced by expectant mothers. According to her, infertility in Africa is largely caused by preventable infections and expressed her determination to lead the campaign against stigmatization of persons living with infertility in Nigeria. She stressed the need for women to get access to healthcare facilities especially at the local level where cases infections are more prevalence. She said that women who were not infected require information more than medication. She stressed the need for government at all levels to acquire equipment needed to cater for patient mothers and pregnant women. “Financial assistance is key to empowering women with infertility to boost their economic activities” she said. The first lady assured the MERCK group of the cooperation of her pet project, “Future Assured Initiative’ to eradicate the stigma faced by women suffering from infertility.

Enugu police rescue kidnap victims, arrest three

An 84-year-old woman, Mrs. Roseline Odoh, and her daughter, Josephine Odoh, who were kidnapped at Ogbelle Ohullur in Udenu Local Council of Enugu State have been rescued by the police. Enugu State Police Public Relations Officer, Ebere Amaraizu, said that the duo, who were kidnapped last Friday were rescued from their captives at Orokam in Benue state. A statement by Amaraizu said the Odohs were kidnapped at their home in Ogbelle Ohullor by gun wielding kidnappers and taken to their destination. According to him, Police operatives on receiving the information, swung into action. They traced the kidnappers to their hideout, stressing that one of the suspected kidnappers, Nnabuike Ukwueze who received gunshot wounds, died in the hospital. Before his death however, Ukwueze, revealed the three other gang members, namely: Ernest Ikeani of Awgu, Sunday Asogwa of Ohullor Obolloafor Udenu Local Council and Nonso Nwude of Njikoka in Anambra State, who were promptly arrested by the police. Amaraizu said that a Renault car with Registration Number UWN991LN allegedly used by the hoodlums was recovered, adding that mother and daughter, who have been re-united with their family, were rescued unhurt.

Indian Business man Injects $15bn Into Nigerian Economy

President Muhammadu Buhari has welcomed the proposed investment of $5 billion in the economy by Indian business community.

Already, India had invested $10 billion in the economy. President Buhari also said Nigeria would continue to expand its relationship with India in the areas of health, education, agriculture, technology and trade. The President spoke while receiving the Indian Vice President, Mohammad Hamid Ansari, who visited the State House, Abuja, yesterday with a business delegation from his country. President Buhari said Nigeria had over the years, benefited from the cooperation of the Asian country in trade and investment, agriculture, technology and the fight against terrorism. He said Nigeria would emulate the Asian country’s agricultural model and capacity to feed its one billion population, and also export to other countries, describing the country as “sustainable and prosperous.” The President noted that Nigeria would continue to support the reform of the United Nations Security Council, pointing out that it was unfair on the rest of the world for five countries to exercise power of “yes or no” in the UN. In his remarks, the Indian Vice President said his country, which is the leading buyer of Nigeria’s crude oil, will increase its purchase of the commodity in addition to natural gas.

TENSION IN SOUTH – EAST OVER OCT 1 DEADLINE FOR SPEED LIMITERS

Anxiety pervades commercial fleet operators and commuters in the south-east geo-political zone over the October 1, commencement of enforcement on Speed Limiters by the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, on all commercial vehicles nationwide.

This is even as transporters and commuters in unison, accused FRSC of using the scheme to allegedly extort transporters, a situation they fear will paralyze free flow of movement in the region. They further lamented the cost of installation, wondering why it should come at a time when eighty percent of the populace can hardly afford a meal per day. From our survey at some commercial fleet operator’s depot showed that apart from Peace Mass Transit, PMT, and ABC Transport Company who recorded hundred percent compliance, other fleet operators had no plans of complying with the installation demand from FRSC. Further checks also revealed that there is apprehension as to how people will get to their various destinations given FRSC commitment to enforce the installation. Already, a battery of FRSC stop-and-check patrol team have been mounted at Ogui, Independence, New Haven axis of Enugu metropolis preparatory to October 1, enforcement.

WHERE IS JUMOKE ORISAGUNA?

THE BREAD SELLER WHO TURNED INTO A SUPER MODEL How a photobomb created a star.

It's a classic case of being in the right place at the right time. A young street seller oblivious to the scene ahead, her wares perched atop her head, photobombed a shoot and in that split second, her life changed forever. Jumoke Orisaguna is a mother of two who used to walk the streets of Lagos selling bread. Originally a hairstylist from Osun State, south west Nigeria, she was struggling to make ends meet, and left her husband and two children in their home town to become a street vendor in the economic capital. Working from 2:30pm to 11:00pm selling bread, Jumoke would make less than $20 each day --with a profit of around $1. The super top model and mother of two has been given a scholarship to complete her education, and a bank has offered to pay for schooling for her two children, aged five and one, until university age. The story of Jumoke Orisaguna. Is a phenomenal story. But where is Jumoke, the bread seller now a super-rich model.

GOtv introduces pay as you view bouquet.

Monthly subscription for GOtv Lite is N400

Gotv currently is the most affordable pay-tv bouquet in Nigeria. About a month ago, GOtv launched a new package called GOtv Lite, GOtv Lite targets existing subscribers, and gives those who opt-in access to over 20 channels. One interesting thing about the package is its alias, Small Pepper. The brand curators explain that they played on the use of ‘pepper’ as a slang for money. Small Pepper thus translating to small money, connoting the affordability of the package. So how affordable is Small Pepper? The monthly subscription for GOtv Lite is N400. Subscribers are also given the option to pay N1, 050 quarterly which works out to N350 a month or N3, 100 yearly. The annual subscription also gives subscribers a further discount as it works out to N258.33 for one month. I did a little comparative analysis to find out what one can buy with N258 in present day Nigeria, especially when one considers the current devaluation of the Naira, and here’s what I came up with – a loaf of bread, GSM airtime, a bar of bathing soap or a packet of detergent. At the end of the exercise, I realized that the pricing of GOtv Lite essentially places pay-tv in the category as basic necessities, or what economists classify as essential goods. This is worthy of note because pay-tv is a discretionary service. In economics, a discretionary consumer good is a non-essential item such as entertainment, a vacation or car. They are purchased with excess income after other essentials such as food and shelter have been taken care of. Value for money Some subscribers have questioned the channel selection, saying that they do not see the value of the package because it carries majorly local channels. They say they will rather watch free-to-air using an antenna. To them, GOtv Lite would be an option if Africa Magic, Zee World and Telemundo were added to the bouquet, but that is debatable. For those consumers, the first and very fundamental value they will be missing is the better picture and sound quality which GOtv offers. I was at the dry cleaner’s a few days ago and while waiting to be attended to, I was reminded of what watching on an analogue transmission feels like. The picture quality was deplorable although the TV was connected to an antenna booster. The TV was tuned to Wazobia TV (which is also available on GOtv) but the clarity of the pictures on analogue transmission cannot be compared to what you see on GOtv. For the first time since I became a pay-tv subscriber about four years ago, I appreciated the value which low-end services such as GOtv have added to the masses. Whilst still trying to come to terms with the poor picture quality on the TV, I saw a poster with a number requesting for suggestions on to how to improve service. I couldn’t hold back, so I sent a text advising the outlet to get on GOtv Lite – at least a N3100 annual subscription should be negligible to a Lagos-based dry-cleaning outfit. The second benefit of GOtv Lite are the international channels which have been strategically selected. And I say strategically because they target different viewing needs. There is JimJam which gives children access to cartoons. If you do not know anything about this channel, I believe you are familiar with Barney, one of the channel’s famous characters, which most children love. As Nigerian music takes center stage, subscribers can enjoy the best of home grown music and sounds from across Africa on Afro Music Pop. Al Jazeera gives access to international news. E.TV Africa is a general entertainment channel showcasing Nollywood movies, series, talk shows, sports and news. I particularly find the ‘Did You Know’ segment on this channel very informative and a good source of current affairs for children. Emmanuel TV, Faith, and Islam channel offer religious programming and SuperSport Blitz, needs no introduction. For women who are hooked on Nollywood and Bollywood series or telenovelas, they will find similar content on Galaxy TV, ONtv Max and TVC Entertainment. Given the current economic recession, I believe that the launch of GOtv is timely and I would recommend it to anyone who is feeling the bite of the harsh economy.

Awof cash for GOtv Boxers

Gotv boxing Night 9: Organisers Promise Adequate Security Flykite Promotions, organisers of GOtv Boxing Night, have assured fans coming to the ninth edition of the event of adequate security in and around the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium, Lagos.

Speaking in Lagos on Thursday, Mr. Jenkins Alumona, Managing Director, Flykite Promotions, explained that fans have nothing to fear when they come for the event taking place on 2 October. “Security has always been great attention at every edition of GOtv Boxing Night. That is not about to change. Fans, who are the soul of the sport, need to feel safe to enjoy themselves. One of our partners, KSquare Security, is a top-tier security firm with vast experience in the handling of big events like this. There is nothing to fear,”. A total of seven bouts are scheduled for GOtv Boxing Night 9, with two of them bringing Nigeria and Ghana in a head-on sporting collision. Nigeria’s Olaide “Fijaborn” Fijabi, incumbent national light welterweight champion, will test himself against Ghana’s Raphael “Iron King” Kwabena King. National lightweight champion, Oto “Joe Boy” Joseph, will duel with Richard “Desert Warrior” Amefu, also of Ghana. Equally on the cards in the national cruiserweight title fight between the champion, Ekeng “Fighting Policeman” Henshaw and Idowu “ID Cabasa” Okusote. In the light heavyweight category, Adewale “Masevex” Masebinu’s mettle will be tested against national champion, Jude “Great Jude” Iloh, while Emmanuel “ Mopol Man” Igwe will slug it out with Kabiru “KB Godson” Towolawi. Meanwhile in the second lightweight contest on the night, Prince “Lion” Nwoye will fight Sikiru “Omo Iya Eleja” Shogbesan. The light middleweight division will see a challenge duel between Ebubechukwu “Coded Man” Edeh up against Semiu “Jagaban” Olapade, Mr Jenkins Alumona said the event will be broadcasted live by SuperSport in 47 African countries, and the winner will go home with a cash prize of N1.5million

Unbelievable! Bag of rice to sell at N9000 – APGA

– Governor Willie Obiano says Nigerians should turn their eyes towards the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) – Obiano says the party will field a presidential candidate in the 2019 general elections – The Anambra state governor says rice would sell for N9000 if APGA is given a chance

The Anambra state governor, Willie Obiano, on Monday, September 19, said if the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) is given a chance, a bag of rice will cost only N9000

Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra state has said that the cost of living for Nigerians would be drastically reduced if APGA is given a chance, come 2019. Obiano hinted that APGA has prepared its house, and would field a presidential candidate in the 2019 general election. The governor, who is also the Chairman, Board of Trustees of the party, said if voted into power, an APGA national government would drastically reduce the cost of a living in Nigeria. The Punch reports that, Obiano stated this in Awka, the Anambra state capital, during the inauguration of ‘Governor Willie Obiano Support Group’, Awka South Chapter. Represented by his special adviser on Political Matters, Mr. Chinedu Obidigwe, Obiano said APGA would want to prove to Nigerians that the party had the solution to the country’s woes. He said: “Anambra is a case study for good governance. If APGA will be given the opportunity to rule Nigeria a bag of rice will reduce N9,000. “What Anambra has done in agriculture, which resulted in the state having its own brand of rice (Anambra rice) would be replicated at a bigger scale should APGA win the presidential election. “The state has used scarce resources to resuscitate the state’s economy, leading to infrastructural development and timely payment of workers’ salary,” Obiano stated.

MultiChoice Reiterates Commitment To Greater Subscriber Satisfaction

Leading video entertainment provider, MultiChoice Nigeria, has reiterated its commitment to better service delivery to its subscribers. In a statement released on Wednesday, the company said greater attention is being paid to issues that affect subscribers’ enjoyment of DStv services. Notable among these are signal loss, subscription payment and reconnection, customer care services, Free-to-Air channels and hardware related issues. “We put our customers first at all times and hold them in high very esteem. We are committed to delivering world class service to our customers and proud to say we are the first video entertainment company to implement new subscriber initiatives requested by the Consumer Protection Council (CPC). Over the past year, we have worked closely with the CPC to identify our customers’ areas of need and made a commitment towards implementing solutions that will resonate with our customers and lead to improved service,” the company said. On the issue of customer care services, MultiChoice explained that the call centre hours have been extended to accommodate more queries. “Call centre operating hours are now 8am to 9pm on Saturdays, Sunday and public holidays. In addition, toll free numbers have been introduced on major network providers”, MultiChoice stated. The toll free lines are 09090630333 for Etisalat, 07080630333 for Airtel, 08113630333 for Glo and 08149860333 for MTN. This means that customers’ calls to the call centre are toll free when they call the corresponding numbers of their mobile network. The company equally explained that customers now have the option of suspending their accounts while they are away from home. This, it stated, will be upon request and a 48-hour notice that the account be suspended for a fixed period between seven to fourteen days twice yearly. Other subscriber-focused initiatives, the company added, include access to Free-to-Air channels at the expiration of subscription and upon the payment of a nominal fee, improved content on its mid-level offering, DStv Compact, providing greater value to subscribers. In addition, from time to time, the company opens premium content on the higher bouquets for an entire week to DStv subscribers irrespective of their subscription status.

Fashion Or Madness; See The Wedding Gown Worn By This Bride On Her Day.

PHOTO

The things people do all in the name of fashion. This wedding gown worn by this lady boldly violates social, cultural and moral conventions... Guess she really wanted to be "VERY VISIBLE" on her special day.

Women Are More Attracted To Men With Large Genitals - Study

Previous studies on women’s preferences for male genital size have been mixed, and even though it is the men who typically worry about the size of their own genitals, it is not unusual for women to prefer large-size male genitalia, even if it is up to a point. But scientists have always argued that the old studies relied on questionnaires, which they say may not always provide honest answers. However, it is now scientifically proven that size does, indeed, matter significantly because women tend to be more attracted to men with large genitals. A new study by Australian researchers found that while the average woman rates the average man with large genitals more attractive, large genitals also give tall men a bigger attractiveness boost than shorter men. A publication of the study result in the journal of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, however, notes that the returns on bigger genitals start to decrease at a flaccid penile length of 2.99 inches (7.6 centimeters). The study suggests that women’s preferences for bigger male genitals could explain why human males have relatively big genitals for their body size. In previous related studies, scientists only asked women to judge the attractiveness of male figures in photos with only penile size varied, when in fact no trait is ever evaluated in a vacuum. But in the Australian study, researchers at the Australian National University, showed 105 young Australian women life-size computer-generated figures of nude men, varying the figures’ flaccid penile size, height and shoulder-to-hip ratio. Height and shoulder-to-hip ratio have previously been shown as factors used by women to judge attractiveness. The computer simulations varied penile width in sync with length, so that all penises were proportional. The results revealed that women preferred taller men as well as high shoulder-to-hip ratios (meaning that the wider the shoulders were than the hip, the more attractive the man). Shoulder-to-hip ratio was a major determiner of attractiveness, accounting for 79.6 percent of the variation in hot-or-not ratings. Though the effect was less extreme, women also preferred larger male organs, at least up to 5.1 inches (13 cm) flaccid, which was the largest computer-generated penile size in the study. Beyond 2.99 inches, however, the additional attractiveness per extra length started to decline. When the researchers controlled for shoulder-to-hip ratio, they found that a larger penis had a greater effect on attractiveness for taller men, hinting that a larger penis just looked more proportional on a taller man’s body, the researchers wrote, or it could be that women were biased against shorter men to the extent that even large genitals didn’t help. Interestingly, women’s own features mattered as well. Researchers found that taller women were more likely to find taller men attractive. Women with greater body mass per height were slightly more likely than thinner women to weigh penile size more heavily in their judgments of attractiveness, though the difference was small. Researchers say the findings might help explain why humans have remarkably large genitalia given their average body size. It is a fact that male humans have the largest penises that any other primate species: For example, male gorillas can weigh as much as 180 kilograms, but their erect penis length is only about 1.5 inches (4 cm). Human males weigh about half of what gorillas do, but studies peg average erect or flaccid-but-stretched penis length from 4.7 inches (12 cm) to 6.5 inches (16.7 cm). Evolutionary biologists theorize that large human penises might help remove sperm from competing males during sex, but in an era before clothing, women may have been drawn to mating with men whose genitalia caught their eye. Men with larger penises, then, may have passed on their genes more readily, resulting in the large-genitals trait being handed down the generations. In other words, males may have females to thank for their greater-than-gorilla-sized genitals.

Bag Of Rice May Sell For ₦40,000 By December - Minister

If Nigeria fails to start producing rice, by December 2016, the price of a bag of rice could be ₦40,000, says the Minister of State for Agriculture and Rural Development, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri.

Lokpobiri, who made this known at a town hall meeting in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Saturday, said that Nigeria spends about $22bn a year on importation of food into the country. He said, “For your information, we spend about $22bn a year importing food into Nigeria. We know how many more dollars they bought and that is why you see the price of rice going up. “Price of rice was may be ₦12,000 some months ago, but it is now about ₦26,000 and if we don’t start producing, by December it could be ₦40,000. “Rice matures in three months. So, this is a wakeup call for Bayelsa people to take the four farms we have seriously. The federal government has four farms in the state in our records. The average land you see in Bayelsa can grow rice, so the colonial masters were not wrong in their assessment when they said Niger Delta could feed not only Nigerian but also the entire West Africa sub-region. “Unfortunately, agriculture till today, is not a priority of the Niger Delta as far as the state governments are concerned because of oil.” He said the states in the Niger Delta had yet to give priority to agriculture the way the North-West states such as Kebbi, Jigawa, Kano as well as other states like Lagos, Ebonyi, Anambra, prioritized it. He said Anambra State for instance, was not owing salaries despite the fact that it does not have oil but raking in money by merely exporting vegetables.

Happy Birthday Comrade Johnson Agada

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Mr Johnson! Idoma pilot would like to invite the GLOBE to the city of Ogbadibo JOIN US AS WE CELEBRATE THE BIRTHDAY OF A VERY SPECIAL PERSON, OUR PLAYWRIGHT A FREE PUBLIC EVENT PERSONAL, THE MAN THAT CO BROUGHT NOLLYWOOD TO IDOMA LAND and above all, the organizer Ogbadibo cultural carnival. We wish you a very special and happy birthday and many more years ahead.

All of us from Idoma pilot online news.

Herdsman gets 2 years sentence for grazing

A Chief Magistrate Court sitting in Ado-Ekiti has sentenced a herdsman, Ali Haruna, to two years imprisonment for grazing his cows in a farmland in Ado-Ekiti. The Magistrate, Idowu Ayenimo, in his judgement, said the accused was arraigned in his court on Jan 22, 2016 on a two-count charge of willful and unlawful damage of farm crops at Ago Aduloju in Ado-Ekiti. The 18-year-old Mr. Haruna was confirmed by the four prosecuting witnesses to have been caught in the midnight grazing his cow in the farm belonging to Abdulahi Yaho and Bello Mohammed. The cash crops said to have destroyed by the cows in the farm included cassava, maize, okro and pepper, all valued at N3 million. The defendant told the court that the owner of the cows lived in Ilorin, Kwara. The magistrate said the court did not believe Mr. Haruna’s defence as it was not credible. He held that the Police prosecutor, Olasunkanmi Bankole, had proved his case beyond reasonable doubt. He thereby convicted the defendant as charged without option of fine. The magistrate ordered that the sentence should run concurrently, explaining that the term was minimal because the offence was committed before the Grazing Law was promulgated in the state. The Ekiti State government recently outlawed the grazing of livestock in open areas without permission. Defaulters face sentences and fines. The defence counsel, Chris Omokhafe, had prayed the court to be liberal in the dispensation of justice, saying that he was a first offender. WHERE IS GOVERNOR OTOM OF BENUE STATE…..

Bloody Benue robbery: Leader of Sengev gang killed, 3 arrested

Less than 72 hours after an eight months old baby, her sibling, mother and 10 others were killed in a bloody robbery attack in Sengev near Gbishe, Katsina/Ala Local Government Area of Benue State, and operatives of the state’s Joint Security Task Force have killed two members of the robbery gang, including its leader, Atondo Bya. Three others, suspected to be members of the gang, were also arrested by the Task Force for questioning, while a Honda car with number plates GBG315AA was recovered from the gang. Parading the suspects, yesterday, at the Command’s Headquarters in Makurdi, Benue State Police Commissioner, Mr. Bashir Makama, said: “Atondo Bya, who was killed in the operation, actually led the robbery onslaught on Sengev where an eight months old baby, including his eight-year-old sibling, mother and 10 others were killed. “He is an associate and accomplice of the wanted militia leader, Terwase Agwaza, also known as Gana. We found on him military camouflage, charms, different car number plates, and dangerous weapons. “What you are seeing is a continuation of our war against criminality and we are taking the fight to the criminals because the number of deaths and pains these gangs have inflicted on the people is unimaginable. “So far, we are taking our time in our search for them, including Gana, because we are avoiding the loss of innocent live in the operation. But we will surely smoke them out.” Power generator ‘stolen’ Also paraded was one Patrick Uchenna, who was nabbed in Makurdi by security operatives for allegedly attempting to convey two stolen Lister power generators from Makurdi to Jos. According to the Police Commissioner, “he claimed he and the driver of the J5 vehicle were called in from Mararaba in Nasarawa State to Makurdi by one Prince to convey the generators to Jos. “They could neither produce the said Prince nor the receipts with which the generators were bought. We are also investigating their activities.”

Nigerian troops rescue 43 kidnapped people, recover 500 cows from Boko Haram – Official

The Nigerian military has rescued 43 abducted persons and recovered 500 cows from fleeing Boko Haram terrorists in Mafa. The military operation for the mission occurred Sunday morning after eight suspected Boko Haram terrorists abducted some cattle rearers and livestock at gunpoint at Dalakalari general area, Mafa Local Government Area. Some well-meaning people informed the military who swung into action and pursued the terrorists. The terrorists, sensing danger, ran and abandoned the livestock just before Panamri village and ran away. The troops were able to rescue 43 persons and 500 cows taken by the terrorists. The victims and the recovered cows have been handed over to the local authorities.

Comrade Johnson Agada charges parents to pass cultural values to their ward

The chairman Mannex production and organizer of Ogbadibo cultural carnival has emphasized the need for parents to pass the cultural values of the Idoma tribe to their wards in order to preserve the tradition of unity and social cohesion taught by cultural events taught by our forefathers. Agada whose company, Mannex production, has sponsored so many event over the years as part of its Heritage Series. He reiterated that unless parents took it upon themselves to propagate the values behind the cultural events, the next generation may consider the carnival fetish and thereby jettison them. He disclosed that the theme of this year’s celebration is curbing social menace in society through cultural celebration and celebrating our cultural heritage in other to succinctly captures the societal relevance of the CARNIVAL within the current milieu as well as a common resolve to ensure that it is cascaded to the next generation as a source of pride and honour for the Ogbadibo people and Idoma race.

The entertainment mogul and culture enthusiast recalled that “Over the years, Ogbadibo has remained not only a point of crystallization and social re-engineering; it is as well an avenue for the constellation of ideas and initiatives that are geared towards prompting the growth of the society and the wellness of its people”. He however declared that unless the next generation understood the essence of the carnival, it would soon become moribund especially in the event of the growing penchant for Western cultures by the Idoma youth. According to him, Ogbadibo cultural carnival is going to be an exhibition platform to display the cultural wealth of the people and the values that unite them and has assumed the role of a social melting pot where all divergent issues affecting the lives of the people are processed, congealed and digested and where the sons and daughters of Idomaland both home and abroad are mindful of their collective responsibility as active players in the socio-economic growth of the geographical space known as Idomaland. Comrade Agada consistent support for the carnival which has been of immeasurable value to the rapidly growing stature of the event, Agada further enthused that the Ogbadibo people had played significant roles in the social, political and economic history of Benue State.

More on the history of the Igede people of Benue....

According to oral tradition, the Igede people are said to have migrated from somewhere around the Niger Delta. They live in their present location in Oju and Obi Local Government Areas of Benue State. The Igede is one of the ethnic nationalities that make up the Middle Belt of Nigeria. The other ethnic nationalities include Idoma, Igala, Etulo, Tiv, Rindere, Ngas, Eggon, Zagon Katarf, Alogo, Berom, Mada, Izere, Ibira, among others.

Igede Agba masquerade The Igede people share common boundaries with the Idoma, Tiv, the Ogoja people of Cross River State and the Izzis of Anambra State. The Igede people are predominantly farmers.

Traditional institution The traditional head of the Igede people used to be called Ad’Utuuntil the passing of Chief Ikande Idikwu. After his death, there was crisis over the succession to the throne. At a point, state government, as of restoring peace in the land and temporarily solve the dispute over the seat, created the Ad’Oju and Ad’Obichieftaincy stools. These stools are neither classified as First Class nor Second Class, but the occupants merely assist the Och’Idoma, who is the paramount ruler of all Idoma people, including the Igede. Currently, Augustine Egbere Ogbu is the Ad’Oju, while the Ad’Obi is Chief Cyril Okwute. However, there is an ongoing agitation for a First Class Igede Chieftaincy stool and the people are gearing up to mount pressure on the incoming state administration for the upgrading of Igede chieftaincy stool to a First Class Chief.

New Yam Festival Like the Igbo, Igede people celebrate the annual New Yam festival, called Igede Agba. For its significance, Igede Agba is a cultural event, which comes up every first week of September. It marks the end of one planting season, when the people in very rich cultural displaying activities, give thanks to the gods for good harvest, and welcome a new planting season. Traditional dancing and masquerades are also featured to add cultural value to the festival and every Igede son and daughter takes part in this ceremony. Burials One notable aspect of the people’s tradition strongly held onto this day has to do with the burial of indigenes’ corpses in a special forest. Corpses of people who are killed in accidents or during a war are regarded as special and are never buried anywhere near the home, but in an evil forest. After or before burial of such a corpse, certain rites are performed to appease the gods of the ancestors. People of questionable characters are also buries in the evil forest. Warding off witches and wizards Igede people have what is called the Akpan. It is a kind of men’s society, ostensibly organised culturally to ward off witches and wizards from their homes. Before a new yam is deemed to have matured for harvest or ever eaten, members of the Akpansociety must first perform their rites. Until that is done, any one or family who prematurely harvests or eats the new yam or buys it from another tribe’s market and brings it home, is deemed to have committed a taboo and is usually made to pay the fine of a goat, and such items. Failure to pay the fines attracts indescribable sorts of sickness and misfortune upon the offenders.

Marriage The Igede people practice both traditional and church wedding. Sometimes, traditional marriage supersedes in cases when couples are not rich enough to afford the luxury of white wedding. Thus, traditional marriage is essentials. The process can begin either when a male child, who feels he is mature for marriage, sites a girl or woman he likes. The process can also begin when the man’s father or any of their relatives, friends, or neither think they have found a young woman they like for the man to take home as wife. If the man likes the girl, his parents immediately go formally with kolanuts to the girl’s parents to seek their child’s hands in marriage. If the girl consents to it, negotiation as to the bride price to be paid is made. In Igede, once the bride price is named and agreed to by the suitor, marriage preparations follows. It does not matter whether bride price is completely paid at or not paid at all, the couple are allowed to go ahead and get married and the suitor has the leeway under the tradition. Interview with Chief Ode Ochi The Chairman of the Middle Belt Traditional Council (MBTC) in the South West Nigeria, Amb. Ochi Emmanuel Ode, the Ojikpururu 1 of Ibilla, Oju, Benue State, is a prominent Igede man. From his base in Lagos, he oversees the affairs of people of Middle Belt in the South West states. An Igede High Chief, he holds the people’s customs and tradition in high esteem, as he shows in this encounter with this reporter.

On core values Ochi Ode said: “Igede as a people, their core value is integrity. Igede is the third ethnic nationality in Benue State. We also have the Tivs, Idoma and Etulo. Among the tribes that constitute Benue State, ask what they consider the core value of an Igede person, they will not waste time to mention integrity. That is why in Igede today, if you misplace you handset and a typical Igede man finds it, he will not take it for use. He will announce to all that he found a misplaced handset, or even money, for the owner to claim it. “In Igede we don’t celebrate success that has no roots. That is why we don’t honour riches that do not have a clear bearing. People celebrate your success when the source is clearly ascertained. No matter how infuential you are, you are not recongised if people do not know your source of success.”

On celebration of death: Ochi Ode stated: “Death is celebrated in Igede with a lot honour, especially if you lived clean and your life is based on integrity. That cannot be said of a pewrson whose wealth has question mark. “Such a person’s death is treated with ignominy. There is no gun shots, no singing, no dancing, no celebration. Such a person is buried in a forest designated for such people. Such a death and burial is not announced.” On the notion that Igede youths serve as house helps: The High Chief said it is true. But he said that the practice has something to do with what he said about integrity. “Like in the western world, between 20 and years, you hardly have money. You are regarded as a man under the tutelage of parents. But, with civilisation, people go out to make money any how. “But a typical Igede man does not easily go out to work under people make a living. So, people go out to make a living. An Igede man cannot sacrifice a child or relation for money ritual. So, a typical Igede man is a peasant farmer and depends on his sweat and does not live on easy money. “Holding to this core value of integrity seems to be a disadvantage to an Igede man. But, it is a disadvantage with honour. That is why you see many of them as house helps. “But now, things are changing. People are now helping others to succeed. For instance, I have a Foundation which assists Igede sons and daughters, sponsoring people up to tertiary institutions. Some other people too are helping indigent students. When they come up, they will help others. “My advice to some well-to-do Igede sons and daughters, who have not been helping others, should wake up and take it upon themselves to help others. Those who are helping are not doing it for personal gains or even for rewards from God, but to ensure that our people develop and improve.” The Ibilla Town Hall Meeting As a High Chief of Ibilla in Igede, Chief Ode hosts a periodic Ibilla Town Hall meeting during which socio-political issues affecting the people and communities and area are resolved. What is the state of the that Forum? His response: “This is an issue of leadership. Issues of leadership are involving ones that are seen to be done on daily, weekly, monthly or even yearly basis. If a leadership is stagnant, there will not be growth. A leader must have dreams of how to improve. “Leadership is a continues process of doing things, rebranding and reinvigorating. Today, you call a town hall meeting. If the method used attracts continues followership, you continue to apply that system. But, if not, you change to another method. “When we started the town hall meeting some years ago, the repose was encouraging. But at a time, we observed that attendance started to decrease and we started to ask questions. A leader must always ask questions like: ‘What?’ ‘Why?’ ‘How?’ “When you find answers to these important questions, you have arrived at a solution. If you can’t find answers to these questions, you are no longer a leader. That is how to keep the followers in constant zeal and hope in believing in what you are doing. “A leader must explain the goals and objectives of what he is doing. Once this done, the people will stand by you. That is what we are doing as far as the Ibilla Town Hall Meeting is concerned. We are restructuring and rebranding. Very soon, it will bounce back.”