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Enugu Christmas Fest: Omu Resort Unveils 25-day Spectacle

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Enugu Christmas Fest: Omu Resort Unveils 25-day Spectacle

Enugu Christmas Fest: Omu Resort Unveils 25-day Spectacle

 

 

 

Sahara Weekly Reports That Omu Resort, a prominent organization known for promoting tourism initiatives in Africa, has announced the debut edition of the Enugu Christmas Fest.

 

 

Enugu Christmas Fest: Omu Resort Unveils 25-day Spectacle

 

The event, organized in partnership with the Enugu State Government, will be a 25-day spectacle of daily activities, offering unmatched entertainment. Scheduled to run from December 7th to December 31st, 2024, the festival promises a diverse range of entertainment options for residents of Enugu State and neighbouring areas, providing the perfect opportunity to unwind with family and friends.

 

The inaugural event will kick off with a ceremony led by the state governor, Peter Mbah, who will officially light the Christmas tree.

 

Expected to attract thousands of visitors, the Enugu Christmas Fest will feature a variety of programs including “African Praise Night”, an “Afrobeat Concert”, a “Highlife Concert”, and a “Food Bazaar”.

 

Others include a “Street Carnival”, a “Cultural Parade”, an “Art Exhibition”, a Phone Exhibition”, and a grand “Fireworks Show, all designed to captivate audiences from near and far.

 

In addition, the festival will include “Enugu Christmas Yadah”, and the highly anticipated “Santa Street Storm”‘ where over 100 Santa Claus figures on tricycles will parade through the state, bearing gifts for orphanages and the less privileged. The “Governor’s Red Ball”, a prestigious red-tie event, will also be part of the lineup. This gala will bring together investors, business leaders, political figures, and Enugu’s diaspora to celebrate with the governor at a dinner and awards night. Thrown into the mix is the small resort built in the heart of the city – Naira Triangle – that features a waterpark, mini golf, blade skating and more.

 

Speaking about the event, Daniel Eguyenga expressed excitement, stating that the Enugu Christmas Fest combines entertainment with commercial opportunities aimed at boosting the state’s economy.

 

In his words: “There is a location called Naira Triangle, a massive roundabout where we will be installing 500,000 Christmas lights, creating a glowing ball of light. The governor will officially launch this on December 7th. It’s going to be a spectacular sight. We also have a 300-member orchestra, led by Dr. Festus Dokubo, which will perform during the festival.

 

“On December 14th, we will host the Governor’s Ball, but earlier in the day, we will showcase 50 export ready businesses from Enugu. Representatives from intra-African trade, the World Bank, SMIDAN, and the Central Bank of Nigeria’s export desk will be present to facilitate matchmaking between these businesses and the banking sector, with the hope of scaling them up.

 

“That evening, prominent guests will attend the Governor’s Ball, and we’ll also launch a commemorative coffee table book about Enugu State. Additionally, we plan to break ground for a historical and wax museum in the state. Other highlights include a carnival, fireworks, and the Santa Storm, where 100 colorful Santas on tricycles will deliver gifts to the less privileged and orphanage homes across all local governments. It’s our way of giving back—Christmas is all about generosity.

 

“I assure you that we’ve made every effort to ensure that guests attending the Enugu Christmas Fest will enjoy an array of exciting activities and experiences,” Eguyenga said.

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Dissent in Chains: The VeryDarkMan Saga and Nigeria’s March Toward Totalitarianism

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Dissent in Chains: The VeryDarkMan Saga and Nigeria’s March Toward Totalitarianism

By George O Sylvester

The arrest and continued detention of Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), by Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is a stark manifestation of the Tinubu administration’s escalating authoritarianism. This incident not only infringes upon constitutional rights but also exemplifies a broader pattern of political repression and suppression of dissenting voices in Nigeria.

A Disturbing Pattern of Repression
VDM’s apprehension on May 2, 2025, shortly after visiting a GTBank branch in Abuja, has been met with widespread condemnation. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar labeled the arrest as a “blatant abuse of power” and a violation of fundamental human rights, urging Nigerians to resist oppression under the current administration . Despite the EFCC’s claim of multiple petitions against VDM, the lack of transparency and due process in his detention raises serious concerns about the agency’s motives.

This incident is not isolated. Across Africa, there is a troubling trend of governments employing state apparatus to silence critics. In Uganda, Eddie Mutwe, an opposition member, was allegedly tortured while in custody, with visible signs of abuse upon his court appearance . Similarly, in Kenya, young activists have faced abductions and torture for their online expressions against the government .

The Weaponization of Legal Institutions
The EFCC, established to combat financial crimes, appears to be increasingly utilized as a tool for political persecution. The lack of formal charges against VDM and the opacity surrounding his detention suggest a misuse of legal institutions to intimidate and suppress dissent. Such actions erode public trust in the justice system and undermine the rule of law.

This phenomenon is not unique to Nigeria. In Ethiopia, the government has been accused of using anti-terrorism and hate speech laws to detain journalists and suppress critical coverage, leading to a significant decline in press freedom.

The Erosion of Democratic Norms
The suppression of dissenting voices like VDM’s is indicative of a broader erosion of democratic norms in Nigeria. The Tinubu administration’s actions mirror those of other authoritarian regimes that prioritize political survival over democratic principles. This trend threatens the very fabric of Nigeria’s democracy and sets a dangerous precedent for the treatment of political opponents and critics.

As Nelson Mandela aptly stated, “To deny people their human rights is to challenge their very humanity”. The continued detention of VDM without due process is a direct affront to these rights and undermines the democratic ideals that Nigeria purports to uphold.

A Call to Action
The international community, civil society organizations and Nigerian citizens must collectively condemn the arbitrary detention of VDM and demand his immediate release. There is an urgent need to hold the Tinubu administration accountable for its actions and to safeguard the fundamental rights of all Nigerians.

In the words of Oliver Tambo, “We are not fighting against people, we are fighting against a system” . It is imperative to challenge and dismantle systems of oppression that threaten the democratic integrity of Nigeria.

The arrest of VDM is not just an isolated incident; it is a symptom of a deeper malaise afflicting Nigeria’s democracy. Addressing this issue requires a concerted effort to uphold the rule of law, protect human rights, and ensure that democratic institutions serve the people rather than political interests.

Dissent in Chains: The VeryDarkMan Saga and Nigeria’s March Toward Totalitarianism
By George O Sylvester

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C&S Youth Forum Appoints UK Based Reverend Adetutu Jakande Matron

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C&S Youth Forum Appoints UK Based Reverend Adetutu Jakande Matron

C&S Youth Forum Appoints UK Based Reverend Adetutu Jakande Matron

A United Kingdom based woman of God, Reverend (Princess) Adetutu Jakande, has been honoured as the Matron of the Cherubim and Seraphim Church, Ile-Ayo International Headquarters, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.

 

Generally known as a woman who lives a life dedicated to God, characterized by faith, obedience, and devotion to His will, Reverend Adetutu was presented the appointment letter by the youth forum of the church last week.

C&S Youth Forum Appoints UK Based Reverend Adetutu Jakande Matron

According to a member of the youth forum, Reverend Adetutu was honoured with the appointment because she has proven herself as not just as a Christian leader with moral excellence, but also as a role model especially to young Christians for reflecting God’s love, wisdom, and character in her daily life and interactions.

Reverend Adetutu Jakande is the leader at the UK based Assembly of Messiah Family. She is revered for her passion for guiding and mentoring the young and old in the way of God, especially women and children.

She is also noted for her philanthropy and her passion for catering to the needs of others and providing emotional support, including her strong commitment to God’s church, and its mission.

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Defending Itsekiri Heritage: A Call for Justice in Warri’s Electoral Delineation

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Defending Itsekiri Heritage: A Call for Justice in Warri’s Electoral Delineation

Introduction

The Itsekiri people, indigenous to the Warri region of Delta State, Nigeria, have a rich history and cultural heritage that dates back centuries. Their ancestral lands, encompassing Warri North, Warri South and Warri South-West Local Government Areas (LGAs), have been the epicenter of their socio-political and economic activities. However, recent actions by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) concerning ward delineation in these areas have raised significant concerns about the marginalization of the Itsekiri people and the potential erosion of their historical rights.

Historical Context of Itsekiri Land Ownership

The Kingdom of Warri, established in 1480, stands as a testament to the longstanding presence and sovereignty of the Itsekiri people in the region. Historical records and maps, including the 1922 colonial map of Nigeria, clearly depict the Itsekiri territory as distinct and well-defined, nestled between the Ijaw and Urhobo ethnic groups. This demarcation underscores the recognition of Itsekiri lands during colonial times, affirming their territorial claims.

Furthermore, historical accounts, such as those by European travelers in the 19th century, highlight the geographical boundaries of the Itsekiri. For instance, a traveler in 1864 noted, “At Warri, we were within one day’s row of the Sobo people,” indicating that the Urhobo (referred to as Sobo) were not originally situated within Warri but were neighbors to the Itsekiri.

INEC’s Controversial Ward Delineation

In April 2025, INEC released a new ward delineation report for the Warri Federal Constituency, which includes Warri North, Warri South and Warri South-West LGAs. The report proposed a reduction of wards in Itsekiri-dominated areas while increasing those in Ijaw and Urhobo regions. Specifically, the Itsekiri wards in Warri North were reduced from six to four, whereas the Ijaw wards increased from four to ten.

This reconfiguration has been met with strong opposition from the Itsekiri community, who view it as a deliberate attempt to marginalize them politically. The Itsekiri National Development Initiative (INDI) has petitioned INEC, labeling the delineation as biased and lacking transparency. They argue that such actions not only undermine their political representation but also threaten their cultural and historical identity.

Implications of the Delineation

The reduction of Itsekiri wards has far-reaching implications:

Political Marginalization: Fewer wards translate to reduced political representation, limiting the Itsekiri’s influence in local governance and decision-making processes.

Cultural Erosion: Diminished political presence can lead to the neglect of Itsekiri cultural heritage, traditions and language in policy formulations and implementations.

Economic Disadvantage: Political underrepresentation may result in fewer developmental projects and resource allocations to Itsekiri communities, exacerbating economic disparities.

Calls for Justice and Equity

The Itsekiri community’s outcry is not merely about political representation but about preserving their identity and rights. They demand that INEC revisits the delineation exercise, ensuring that it reflects the true demographic and historical realities of the region. As one community leader aptly stated, “We cannot allow our ancestral lands and rights to be eroded under the guise of administrative adjustments.”

Final Word: A Stand for Justice and Indigenous Rights

The struggle of the Itsekiri people is not a cry for favoritism but a demand for justice rooted in historical fact, equity, and democratic fairness. No nation thrives when its founding ethnic nationalities are silenced or politically diminished. The deliberate attempt to redraw boundaries at the expense of the Itsekiri, custodians of the original Warri territory is a betrayal not only of their people but of Nigeria’s constitutional promise of fairness to all.

INEC must retrace its steps and correct this injustice before it festers into deeper ethnic tensions. As Thomas Jefferson warned, “When injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty.” The Itsekiri are not begging for mercy; they are asserting their constitutional and ancestral rights.

Let the three Warris – Warri North, Warri South, and Warri South-West be preserved as Itsekiri territory, as history, maps and facts clearly affirm. Let not political manipulation replace justice. Let Nigeria not trample on the dignity of a people who built one of West Africa’s oldest and most organized kingdoms.

Written and Compiled by George Omagbemi Sylvester

For further insights into the Itsekiri community’s stance and protests regarding the INEC’s ward delineation, you may find the following video informative: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vbjD_-1YnG0

 

Defending Itsekiri Heritage: A Call for Justice in Warri's Electoral Delineation

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