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Igbo Groups bikker Over killings in the South-East

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The World Igbo Union (WIU) has taken a swipe at the Chairman of World Igbo Congress, (WIC) Professor Anthony Ejiofor, for not speaking up against the killings in the South-East geopolitical zone of the country.

The leader of the organisation Mazi Ogechukwu Nkere stated this in a statement released to journalists in Abuja on Tuesday .

Nkere however, expressed appreciation for Ejiofor’s in-depth knowledge and understanding of the plight of Ndi Igbo in Nigeria, though “he was a bit twisted on the solutions he is advocating to our issues in Nigeria.”

He said Ejiofor’s claim that the sole objective of World Igbo Council (W.I.C) was the safety of Igbo lives and properties but remained silent on majority of the killings and banditry perpetuated by Fulani terrorist in Igbo Land.

According to him, “It then does not need an empirical research to claim that he and the organisation does not represent the global interest of Ndi Igbos.

“He intellectually expounded on the security architecture of the Igbo land and was right on the claim that the Nigerian Army have been infiltrated by Fulani herdsmen, repentant Boko Haram, Iswab and other terrorist units.

“He was also right in his claim that these terrorists have infiltrated Southeast Nigeria forests kidnaping, Killing and butchering innocent citizens.

“These terrorists also burn churches, homes, markets and business with the their motive to overrun the Igbo land with Islamic agenda.

“Ejiofor addressed the inadequacy of Ebube Agu whom he called thugs to political gladiators who does not have the interest of Igbos and cleverly demonstrated his understanding of the historic sufferings, marginalisation, subjugation and alienation of the Igbo Race politically and economically by the Fulani Nigerian Government (Rudolf played clips by Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and Ikemba Odimagwu Ojukwu to help)

“Against this background, to jump onto Rudolf Okonkwo’s programme to validate the continuity of the undisputed maltreatment of the Igbo Race, by advocating against no election in Biafra Land is misleading the Igbo Race you claim to lead.

“On the same programme Prof Ejiofor highlighted his concern over the few days sit at home.

“The fact that no one heard his cry over many months that our people sat at home during Covid 19 period without government assistance makes his concern a political gimmick rather than a genuine concern for the wellbeing of our people.

“On this same issue of sit at home the World Igbo Union wish to remind everyone that, Biafrans are willingly sitting at home in protest of the continued detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and the long suffering of the Igbo Race in Nigeria ; this have nothing to do with Mazi Simon Ekpa.

“It may disappoint you sir that in the absence of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, “Mazi Simon Ekpa is the next globally accepted Igbo Leader, Mazi Simon Ekpa commands the support and loyalty of majority of Igbos more than any acclaimed Igbo leader and the World Igbo Union will insist you stop your negative activities against Mazi Ekpa from henceforth.

“The World Igbo Union have taken keen interest and detailed note of your threats against Mazi Simon Ekpa (The Biafran Spokes Man) which is not taken lightly and should anything happen to him Professor Anthony Ejiofor the W.I.U and entire Southeast Nigeria and Biafra will hold you and your likes responsible.

“Since the unlawful rendition of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu from Kenya by the Fulani terrorist government of Nigerua, Professor Ejiofor and his acclaimed Organization have not been vocal about this illegal Kidnapping, disregard to the rule of law and court orders, inhumane treatment in DSS detention, and his worsening health condition.

“You claimed to have regular legal briefings on Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s case but the general Igbo public is yet to hear or read from you loudly on this matter.

“Your talk about Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and Igbo issues in such strong terms at this election period makes your motives politically suspicious to World Igbo Union.

“You noted that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has won all the legal case against him and now illegally held in detention by the president. Knowing all these facts and advocating for 2023 election presents a case of intellectual mismatch or wilful deceit.

“One of your panels advised you to take on Mazi Simon Ekpa’s challenge of releasing Mazi Nnamdi Kanu from detention as a barter for holding elections in Biafra Land in 2023, the World Igbo Union is looking forward to you taking up this challenge as a demonstration that truly you have the interest of Igbo people at heart.

“The World Igbo Union wish to alert you and your likes that in the absence of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, South-easterners and Biafrans believe that Mazi Simon Ekpa is the last man standing to lead them through the bridge of their destination and we warn you not to stand in the way of this moving train.

“It is the opinion and view of the World Igbo Union that it was more interesting listening to Biafra Information Minister of the African Union Chanel than listening to your disguised politically engineered campaign.

“This is so because in your interview with Rudolf Okonkwo you sounded and came across more like Peter Obi’s campaign Manager than an Igbo leader, “

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Lamido Sanusi restored officially as Kano emir

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Barely four years after he was deposed by the immediate past Governor of Kano state,Abdullahi Ganduje, Governor Abba Yusuf at the Government House in Kano on Friday issued the letter of appointment to Sanusi Lamido which restored him as Kano Emir.
Governor Yusuf said,
“By the powers conferred on me by the Kano Emirate Council Law of 1984 and 2024, and supported by the recommendation of the kingmakers, I have the singular pleasure to confirm the reappointment of Muhammadu Sanusi II as the Emir of Kano and the head of the Kano Emirate Council,” the governor said.
The governor urged the emir to lead according to Islamic tenets, as he read out his role.
“As the Emir is being appointed for the second time, it is based on his competence, credibility, and popularity,” he said.
“I urge him to be guided by the principles of Islamic teachings and to use his position to unite the emirate, fostering harmony among the Islamic sects in the state.”
Traditional rulers, kingmakers, and other top dignitaries were in attendance at the event which came barely one day after Governor Yusuf signed the Kano State Emirate Council (Repeal) Bill 2024 into law.
The Emir is expected to lead the Juma’at prayer at the Government House.

The new law replaces the Kano State Emirates Council Law, 2019, and dissolves the emirate councils created by Ganduje.
Ganduje had splited⁵ the Kano Emirate into five in December 2019 and deposed Sanusi II, on March 9, 2020. The emirates created by the Ganduje administration were Karaye, Bichi, Rano, and Gaya, in addition to Kano.
Governor Yusuf at the reinstatement event clarified that the 2019 move was a case of victimisation and narrated events leading to his return as emir
“We had a series of meetings with the Kingmakers yesterday, extensive discussions with the Speaker, and we also sat with all the heads of security. At the end of the day, we all gathered in the chamber where I received the bill that repealed the former law,” the governor said.
He continued, “We did that out of our convictions and belief that this gentleman was victimized in 2019. We all feel that we must restore what is due to the good people of the state.”
Governor Yusuf also thanked the legislative body for the accelerated passage of the bill
“Let me use this opportunity to humbly thank the Speaker and all members of the House for your determination and respect for the rule of law. It shows your interest in the welfare of the people of the state,” he said.
Emir Sanusi II, a former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), was known as Lamido Sanusi before becoming king.
His deposition generated controversy in the state and beyond. But in reversing it, Governor Yusuf said it was the repeal of the old law that “balkanised the over 1,000-year- Kano Emirate.”
“From the very moment I signed the bill into law, it means that all appointments made in accordance with that 2019 law are voided, and the balkanised Kano Emirate has been restored to its original pre-2019 status,” the governor said.
“The repeal of the 2019 law means that there is no emir in Kano as of now except the reinstated emir.”
Following the new law, he gave the emirs who were in charge of the dissolved emirates 48 hours to leave their palaces.
Before signing the bill, Governor Yusuf and the speaker of the Kano State Assembly Aminu Abdussalam had met with traditional rulers and kingmakers behind closed doors.
Sanusi II started his reign on June 8, 2014, when Rabiu Kwankwaso was the governor of Kano State. His appointment came about four months after Goodluck Jonathan – the then-president – removed him as the governor of the CBN.

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Minister Musawa commemorates World Culture Day, says, ‘our strength is in our diversity’

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Barrister Hannatu Musawa at a Cultural festival in Katsina

Nigerians should celebrate the country’s cultural diversity, because it the nation’s source of strength and unity, the Minister of Arts and Culture , Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa has advocated
In her address to commemorate the 2024 World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development (World Culture Day), M
Musawa emphasized the need to appreciate and promote Nigeria’s diverse cultural heritage. 

A statement by her special adviser on media and publicity, Nneka Ikem Anibeze, she urged Nigerians to take pride in their culture and recognize its potential to drive economic development, social and mental wellbeing, and national unity.
The Minister noted that the country’s plurality of culture and ethnicity should be leveraged to promote dialogue, understanding, and peaceful coexistence, rather than allowing differences to divide us. She encouraged Nigerians to see their diversity as a source of strength and unity, rather than a source of conflict.

“The World Culture Day is an opportunity to remind and help us to understand the value of cultural diversity and the vital role it plays in ensuring peaceful co-existence as a vital tool for socio-economic growth and development. 

“It is a day for deep reflection on where we are as a nation. Taking into cognizance that our dear country is characterized by plurality of culture and ethnicity, it behooves on us to change the narrative on people who are culturally, ethnically and religiously different from us, in order to curb terrorism, kidnapping and banditry and other negative vices as we forge ahead as one people with a common goal”.

She also announced that the Ministry will continue to work tirelessly with its agencies and stakeholders to promote Nigeria’s creative economy and boost the nation’s image, in line with its Eight-point Plan to make Nigeria ,Africa’s Creative Capital by 2030.

“I wish to assure you that the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy, in line with its Mandate to harness the potentials of Nigeria’s Creative Economy for socio-economic empowerment, economic diversification and job creation, will continue to work tirelessly with our Agencies and relevant stakeholders to boost the image of Nigeria and improve the lives of our people through the Ministry’s Eight-point Plan for Nigeria’s destination 2030 to become Africa’s Creative Capital.

“I call on all Nigerians to present our culture with with deep pride and appreciation and encourage us to continue to see our diversity as our source of strength and unity from which we can build a progressive nation for us all”. 

 The World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development (World Culture Day) is a day set aside by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) on May 21st every year to raise awareness on the role of Culture in sustainable socio-economic growth and development.

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Culture Ministry secures UNESCO Inscription for Sango Festival, Midwifery traditions

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According to Musawa, the achievement was made possible through the Ministry’s tireless efforts and strategic collaborations at the national and international levels, in line with the 2003 UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage.
“The UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, plays a crucial role in safeguarding and promoting cultural diversity worldwide. It helps in raising the awareness about the significance of Intangible Cultural Heritage, encourages dialogue between communities, fosters respect for cultural expressions and promotes sustainable development by preserving traditional knowledge and practices.
“The inclusion of these two Nigerian cultural elements on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity has transformed them into shared global heritage (products) with enhanced visibility. The 181 States; Parties to the 2003 UNESCO Convention for Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage are predisposed to visiting Nigeria to enjoy these cultural expressions.
“The anticipated increase in tourism inflow into the country, will result in global visibility, job creation and wealth generation , thereby contributing to sustainable national growth and development, economic well-being and pride in national cultural identity”.
The two key products from Nigeria were inscribed on the UNESCO representative list of intangible cultural heritage of humanity during the 18th Session of the Inter-Governmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Kasane Botswana from 4th to 9th December 2023.
The Sango Festival and Midwifery traditions have now been recognized as integral parts of human cultural heritage, joining five previous Nigerian inscriptions: Ifa Divination System (2008), Oral Heritage of Gelede (2008), Ijele Masquerade (2009), Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival (2016), and Kwagh-hir Theatrical Performance (2019).
This milestone not only promotes cultural diversity and community cohesion but also contributes to sustainable development, job creation, and wealth generation through increased tourism. It aligns with the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, which prioritizes the appreciation and preservation of Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage.

The Minister of Arts Culture and the Creative Economy Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa has announced the Ministry’s achievement in pushing for UNESCO’s inscription of Sango festival Oyo and the multinational nominating of Midwifery: knowledge skills and practices.
A statement by her special adviser on media Nneka Nkem Anibeze quoted the minister to have spoken at the Federal Executive Council Meeting, presided over by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday, while briefing the Council on the strategic activities of the ministry since its establishment in August 2023.

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