At the celebration of the 2024 Ovia-Osese festival in Ogori-magongo, the Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has pledged to construct network of roads connecting communities in the local government area of the state.

Ododo made the disclosure in Magongo during the Ovia-Osese Festival where he was the special guest of honour at the weekend.
Special Adviser on Media to the Governor, Ismaila Isah in a statement indicated that the assessment on the state of the roads in the area was ongoing as he promised to renovate the general hospital in the local government area as well as replace the recently installed transformer.
He quoted the Governor to have described the Ovia-Osese festival as a celebration of an ancient culture that has promoted unity, love and peace over the years noting that the celebration of young girls transitioning into womanhood was an invaluable tradition that has endured for generations.

He urged the ladies and participants in the ceremony to use the opportunity to preserve the sanctity and value of womanhood while aspiring to attain a brighter future.

Ododo who applauded the organizers for putting the state on the national tourism map, reiterated the commitment of the state government to peace and stability in all parts of the state.
He addied that the government would always support events that promote tradition, culture and tourism in the state.

Governor Ododo expressed appreciation for the confidence reposed in his administration by the people of Ogori-Mangogo to deliver on his development agenda but insisted that the people must key into the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by embracing peace and reconciliation of all lingering conflicts between the people of Ogori and Magongo communities.

He called on traditional rulers, youths, women and other stakeholders to close ranks and work together for peaceful coexistence as a way of encouraging the government to concentrate more on the development of the state.
He stressed that no meaningful development can take place in an atmosphere of discord.
“The unity of the Ogori and Magongo people is pivotal for any meaningful progress to be achieved. And I urge you to work together to achieve peace so that I will be encouraged to return to this place very soon and be received by a united people and local government area.”

He admonished the citizens to shun violence and not allow themselves to be used by self-serving individuals who do not mean well for the peace, progress and development of the state and country, adding that leaders of the area should focus more on efforts to lift the people out of the present socio-economic plight instead of the prevailing mistrust among the people.

By Ekuson Nw’Ogbunka Abuja

A young artist, Miss Ifunanya Anunobi has advised the government at levels to encourage Art in order to boost the country’s economy.

Anunobi, a graduate of History and International Studies from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, who has chosen to go into her talent, art, addressed journalists recently in Abuja.

The Artist making explanations about her Artworks

Making her points, she said that Artists, if encouraged would not only be self-employed, but also train many others who, according to her would stand on their own, without depending on the government for employment.

Explaining why she ventured into the profession, she said: “At the age of 12, I tried replicating a cartoon I saw and discovered my knack for drawing. Over time, I developed a habit of drawing anything I saw, finding solace and joy in the process.”

She continued: “Encouraged by my uncle, the former Police Service Commission Chairman, Chief Simon Okeke, I decided to transition into a full-time artist after my youth service in Abuja in 2022. I received validation of my talent from my uncle, who emphasized that it was a gift from God.
“With his encouragement, I delved deeper into art, progressing from drawing to painting, allowing me to express myself fully.”

When asked, if she was being coached by any expert, she said: “I seek advice concerning Art from people like the president of Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA), Mr Mohammed Suleiman and I do also talk to some Artist friends I met in Abuja here for guidance.”

She acknowledged the challenges of the profession, including emotional strains and financial instability but has decided to remain dedicated to her craft, by planning a solo exhibition in Abuja to showcase her works.

When pressed further, she responded thus: “I can say yes, because this is a passion and talent and it gives me joy. Although, I like what I studied in the university, but as you can see, this is my talent and the passion I have for it has overtaken what I studied in the university.”

When asked if she was being assisted by the government, having been able to come out with such beautiful Artworks, she responded thus: “I haven’t, but what I have been doing is participating in competitions, if you are lucky, you get it, if you aren’t, you won’t. However, what I would like the government to do is to encourage the art market, because the market is poor and thus affecting the upcoming Artists.

“And if there is an exhibition opportunity, we the upcoming artists won’t be able to participate, because most of us don’t have money to pay for spaces in a gallery. Even if you are able to participate, most Nigerians would just come, look at the Artworks and go without buying any. So to that, I urge Nigerians to become more interested in art and support artists, because art is also an investment. The Artwork you bought at say, N100 thousand can be resold at N2 million in about four to five years time.

Reiterating why the government should come in to empower those in the profession, the young artist has this to say: “If empowered, we shall contribute immensely to the economy, in the areas of teaching and training people who will be on their own. “By so doing, you have generated employments and the economy will be growing. So I advise Nigerians and the governments at all levels to encourage art and emerging artists who try their best to bring in colours to our turbulent society.”

***Describe it as violation of Native customs, traditions

The Commity of Elders (Nde Ichin-Ukwu) and Ikwu of Elu Ohafia a community in Abia State has disclaimed the election conducted by the Elu Development Union (EDU) on the 30th day of March, 2024.
The elders described the election as a violation of the Native customs and traditions of the Elu Ohafia community.
A joint communique issued by the elders indicated that, “The electoral committee led by Lekwa Ezuta Udonsi was constituted by a Regent (Engr. Uma Agbai Olugu) without lawful authority in violation of customs on the 24th day of March.
The Communique which was signed by Iroha Kalu, Paul Emetu and others on behalf of the Nde Ichin-Ukwu while Oko Agwu Anaga of Umu-Nnechi, Agbai Oti of Umu-Unadu and others signed on behalf of Ikwu Nwo Ali
The Communique indicated that at a time the community was mourning Ezie Prof. E. U. L. Imaga, “It is unfortunate that the conduct of some persons suggest that they are not mourning with the community.

“We call on all indigenes of Elu Ohafia to remain law abiding and continue to give their unalloyed support to all institutions of governance established by and during reign of Ezie Prof. E. U. L. Imaga and remain focussed on giving our departed Monarch a befitting funeral
The elders denounced and dissociated themselves from the election and by this declare the outcomes of no effect.