…Yahaya Bello approves grading, upgrading of 300 traditional stools in Kogi

Gov Yahaya Bello of Kogi on Tuesday approved the grading and upgrading of 300 traditional stools in Kogi

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the approval was part of the outcome of the Executive Council meeting held at the Lugard House in Lokoja on Tuesday.

Bello, who presided over the meeting, said the grading and upgrading of the stools became imperative in view of the important roles the traditional rulers played in enhancing peaceful coexistence amongst citizens.

The governor, in a statement issued by his media aide, Onogwu Muhammed, upgraded Akinrin of Ekinrin from none-class to 1st class, Ohireba of Ebiraland from non-class to 1st class and Obaje Otalu-Atabaka from 2nd class to first class.

“The grading and upgrading of the 300 traditional stools in Kogi is part of our decisions at today’s executive council meeting, ” he said.

The council also approved a Bill for a Law to establish the Kogi State Oil Producing Area Development Commission, KOSOPADEC.

Also approved was a Bill for a Law to establish the Kogi State Meat Hygiene and Inspection for the safety of lives of residents of the state. (NAN)

The Benue State Government has confirmed the abduction of Mr Matthew Aboh, Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, on Sunday evening.

The Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Governor, Sir Tersoo Kula, confirmed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) through a text message on Monday in Makurdi.

According to Sir Kula, Gov.

The abduction allegedly took place about 8pm.

“Yes, we received the unfortunate news, and the governor has already detailed security operatives to do everything possible to ensure his safe release,” the text message read.

NAN reports that there were confirmed reports that several gunmen stormed the the commissioner’s residence in Zaki-Biam, Ukum Local Government Area and kidnapped him.

Eyewitnesses, who spoke to NAN, stated that the kidnappers who came on four motorcycles, ordered everyone in the house, including Mrs Aboh and children, to lie face down before they took the Commissioner to an unknown destination.

The witnesses said the abductors compelled the commissioner at gun point to sit behind the rider of one of the motorcycles while a gunman sandwitched him.

NAN reports that Mr Aboh was sworn in as a member of the Benue State Executive Council on August 29.

He hails from Ukum LGA of Sankera axis, a major flashpoint of criminal activities with rampant killings and kidnappings for years now.

Meanwhile, the State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Sewuese Anene, said the Command was yet to receive the report on the incident.

(NAN)

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has called on stakeholders in Africa to prioritise the unity of the African continent, saying pan Africanism is non-negotiable.

Ooni made the call while speaking with newsmen in his palace on Sunday in preparation for seclusion as part of  the Olojo rites.

He said that stakeholders should not be deprived of Pan African movement and behaviour should be very apt.

The Ooni called on the African continent to unite and be peaceful for the development of its citizenry.

“Pan African movement is not negotiable as this is a way out for us in Africa, for the unity of African continent as this must be paramount to all of us.

“I will use the medium to pray for African Unity and movement, for actualisation of Pan Africanism. We therefore as stakeholders must play our roles to ensure that Africa as a continent speaks in unity,” he stated.

Ooni emphasised that Nigeria needs spiritual intervention at this time of economy downturn, adding that he would utilise this period to pray for way out at the seclusion.

“I will pray for the unity of Africa. Things are very hard. We all know the economic challenges that people are facing.

“This is the time we need spiritual and divine intervention. My annual OLOJO seclusion. This is how my ancestors have been doing it.

”We should pray very well because things are very hard. We all know the state of the economy. It is a sensitive thing that needs prayer which should not go out of hand.

“My prayer also would be to pray for divine intervention for the government of President Bola AhmedTinubu in order to turn things right because expectation of people is so high”, the Ooni stated

The royal father explained that everywhere is so tensed now and people are not finding life easy, but he would use the seclusion period to pray for the leaders.

Ooni said Olojo is an annual festival, stressing that there’s nothing he asked for, since 8-years which could not be answered. “I talked to my creator and my ancestors and they answered me speedily.

Oba Ogunwusi called for support for the president in order to move the nation forward.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Olojo festival is the biggest festival on the culture calendar of Ile-Ife.

The Olojo (controller of time-Death) festival is celebrated in remembrance of Ogun, the god of iron who is believed to be the first son of Oduduwa as well as the creation of the world according to Yoruba mythology.

The festival takes place annually in October and involves several elaborate ritual prayers led by the Ooni.

It is marked by a carnival-like atmosphere and is attended by people of all ages. Olojo has remained popular in Ile-Ife because it is the only day in the year believed to be specially blessed by Olodumare (the Creator of the Universe). (NAN)