news
ORIKADUN: A CELEBRATION OF AFRICAN CULTURE
BY AYODEJI OWOLABI
Orikadun is one of the twenty six festivals celebrated annually by the good people of Igbara-Oke in Ifedore Local Government Area of Ondo State. It has always been a moment of celebration filled with colourful display of traditional and cultural activities.
As the customs, Orikadun marks the end of the calendar (Traditional Calendar) year for the people of Igbara-Oke having enjoyed bountiful harvests in the outgoing year, and it signifies the beginning of a New Year. This year’s event attracts many important dignitaries from far and near, particularly all sons and daughters of Igbara-Oke origin, both at home and abroad. The indigene and non indigene residents, ethnic groups, religious group among others participated actively to bring out the best in the display of their different cultural heritage.
Orikadun is being celebrated by all and sundry in the town, as all other activities, including trades, social gatherings or parties will be put on hold or postponed to honour this day.
All the Queens from the three Ruling Houses, Princes and Princesses, Chiefs and their groups (Otus), Baales from the sixteen satellite towns and their villagers, the forty-three Olori-Omos and people from their quarters were all present to pay homage to Olowa and the Paramount Ruler of Igbara-Oke kingdom.
Igbara-Oke, being a border town, is relatively peaceful and played host to different ethnic and cultural groups, Igede, Igbo, Igbira, Urhobo, Hausa, Ukwuni, Igala, Benin, Idoma etc. They all live in love and harmony, without discord. These ethnic groups were all in attendance in their respective cultural attires to add colours to the event.
Orikadun Celebration can also be regarded as the final events to round-up all the festivals in Igbara-Oke. It afford the good people of Igbara-Oke the opportunity to rejoice with one another, and in appreciation to the goodness of God to see the beginning of another year. Also, it is when the beautiful cultural heritage of the good people of Igbara-Oke are showcased.
Orikadun always begins with special prayers which are usually said in the early hour between the hours of 6-7am by Olowa of Igbara-Oke at a place called “Okiti Omo Olore” at Odo-Oja. The whole town will at this hour await the arrival of Olowa at this points, while others at different junctions to accompany him to where he would say the pray for the town and all the residents.
This year’s edition was not different from what it used to be, as the prayer was said at the given time at the early hour. At Okiti Omo Olore, Olowa of Igbara-Oke, Oba Dr. Francis Adefarakanmi Agbede in his usual way reiterated the importance of the prayer as it has been from time immemorial and being observed by his forefathers. He made the people to know that Orikadun celebration has no ritual, nor being done done to worship any deities. According to him, it is purely of traditions and culture as it involves both the Christians and Muslims to give thanks to God for seeing another year.
That was why it was no surprise to have seen people of different faith at the point of prayer and later at the Palace of Olowa to expressed their joy as they celebrate.
Apart from the indigenes and the residents in Igbara-Oke, dignitaries from all works of life, government official, traditional rulers from the state and neighboring states, traditional worshiper, among others were also there to grace the occasion with their entourage.
Without mincing words, the event was indeed a wonderful way of showcasing the true African culture. Many audience attested to this and adjudged it the best ever.
The Paramount Ruler and Prescribed Authority, Olowa of Igbara-Oke kingdom, HRM, Oba Dr. Francis Adefarakanmi Agbede was full of joy and excitement to have seen his subjects, and other well wishers in the display of different culture as it concerns their tribes and groups.
The monarch in his address to the town said the reason for the crowd is as a result of love, unity and peaceful coexistence among the indigene and non indigene residents. He said, without these, this year’s celebration wouldn’t have been this glamorous.
Chiefs from different groups (also known as Otu) also spoke on the importance of living in love with one another. The Council of Chiefs, Baales, and Olori Omos in their traditions paid homage to Olowa as a sign of respect to the monarch.
All the way from Oyo Alaafin, the traditional worshippers presented the goodwill message on behalf of Alaafin of Oyo, Iku Baba Yeye, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi to the good people of Igbara-Oke as they felicitate with the town.
Others who spoke at the events include the Special Adviser to Ondo State Governor on Transport, Barr. Tobi Ogunleye, his counterpart in the Ministry of Rural and Community Development, Hon. Babatunde Kolawole, President of Igbara-Oke Citizens in the Americas, Mr. Olu Faboyede and Sapaye of Igbara-Oke kingdom, Chief Victor Ayo Isijola.
They all applauded what they saw which they referred to as a typical of African Traditional Culture. According to them, the displayed was unique and could not be compared to any.
They also commended and appreciated the efforts of Oba Agbede at bringing together the large crowd and for the peaceful coexistence.
One of the highlights of the event was the presentation of gifts to three distinguished elderly women, Mrs. Beatrice Oyedele, Mrs. Rachael Asegbeloyin and Mrs. Esther Oniya in appreciation of their efforts at waging war against Gender Violence.
Journalists for Good Governance Shines Searchlight on Local Government Administration
…Calls for Accountability in Nigeria’s Grassroots Governance
LAGOS, Nigeria — A civil society coalition known as Journalists for Good Governance(JGG) has intensified public debate on transparency and accountability within Nigeria’s local government system, urging media professionals, civil society actors, and citizens to hold grassroots leaders accountable.
Speaking an event in Lagos recently, the acting chairman of the society, Comrade Bunmi Obarotimi said that despite reforms such as the Supreme Court’s 2024 ruling granting financial autonomy to all 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs), systemic challenges continues to hinder effective service delivery and responsible stewardship of public funds.
“Local governments are the closest tier of government to the people — yet too often they remain the least transparent. Without civic oversight and vibrant media, promises of autonomy ring hollow.” the acting chairman said.
The Journalist for Good Governance emphasised crucial roles that journalists can play in uncovering discrepancies in council spending, flagging poor service delivery, and educating citizens on their rights. Their call comes amid wider efforts by media and civic organisations to bridge accountability gaps. The civil society initiatives had previously launched monitoring campaigns to track local government expenditures and have been quietly advocating for transparency in how public money is deployed.
The leaders of the Journalists for Good Governance (JGG) highlighted the importance of physical assessment and citizens engagement on projects to boost people’s confidence, urging local councils to adopt open data platforms and proactive information dissemination in compliance with the Freedom of Information Act. Experts say the majority of LGAs currently lack operational websites or digital portals, further limiting public scrutiny.
The Journalists for Good Governance initiative aligns with sustained advocacy by civil society groups and governance experts calling for a collective approach to strengthening democratic accountability, and has decided to engage in critical and holistic assessments of how Local Governments is being run and the impact and quality of projects they embark-on and to address deficits in transparency and public trust.
Meanwhile, some state governments have signalled support for improved community engagement. In Lagos State, authorities reiterated a commitment to enhancing community media platforms as vehicles for civic participation and accountability at the grassroots level.
The renewed spotlight on local government administration has reignited public debate over fiscal responsibility and priorities. Controversies such as the widely criticised Adamawa council chairmen’s wives trip to Istanbul — which drew public outrage for perceived misuse of public funds — underscore why watchdog groups say stronger oversight mechanisms are urgently needed at the grassroots.
Citizens and activists have welcomed the journalists’ initiative, calling for sustained media engagement that goes beyond headlines to influence policy and accountability reform.
The civic rights advocates note that real change will require robust legal frameworks, a free press, and empowered communities equipped to demand transparency at every level of governance.
As Journalists for Good Governance mobilises its members, the coming months are likely to see heightened media attention on grassroots administration — from council budgets and service delivery to the enforcement of public information laws and digital transparency initiatives.
news
ANOTHER PROPHECY FULFILLMENT BY PROPHET KINGSLEY AITAFO OVER THE EXIT OF DR. KENOLY, ANNOUNCING FEBRUARY’S OPEN PROPHETIC REVIVAL
ANOTHER PROPHECY FULFILLMENT BY PROPHET KINGSLEY AITAFO OVER THE EXIT OF DR. KENOLY, ANNOUNCING FEBRUARY’S OPEN PROPHETIC REVIVAL
– Another Prophecy Fulfillment by Prophet Kingsley Aitafo Following the Passing of Ron Kenoly Ahead of February Open Prophetic Revival
– Prophet Kingsley Aitafo Records Another Prophecy Fulfillment as February Open Prophetic Revival Is Announced
In the released prophecies for 2026, renowned Nigerian cleric, Prophet Kingsley Aitafo, shared a series of revelations touching on Nigeria’s economy, global events, political transitions, natural disasters, religious transformations, and the future of world leaders.
During a special prophetic session, the prophet stated that he foresaw the departure of two world-renowned musicians in 2026 and urged the Nigerian people and the global community to pray for them.
He urged Nigerians and everyone around the globe to pray for the musicians, among other prophecies, and already gave insight concerning them.
On February 3, 2026, American gospel singer, songwriter, and worship leader Ron Kenoly passed away at the age of 81. Widely known as the “Professor of Praise,” Kenoly was celebrated for anthems such as “Majesty” and “Lift Him Up,” which have significantly influenced modern congregational worship around the world.
He was recognized as a pioneer of the contemporary praise and worship movement, leading Scripture-based worship services that became widely adopted in churches across different nations and cultures.
The development has been described by followers of Prophet Kingsley Aitafo as a confirmation of the prophecy earlier declared in the year.
Meanwhile, Prophet Kingsley Aitafo, leader and shepherd in charge of Oneness in Christ, in conjunction with CCC Living Grace Tabernacle, invites everyone to its February Open Revival. It is a prophetic service determined to change lives through miracles, healings, signs, and wonders.
It is not an ordinary service; it is another time for a divine encounter where your faith is strengthened, prayers are answered, and breakthroughs and favour are about to rain. With its theme — Jesus Christ is the same forever — the revival is promised to release the power of Jesus Christ like never before. It is a period of shift and divine encounter.
This revival service is said to hold on the 25th of February, 2026, from 5pm – 8pm at 20, Showole Street, Ewupe, Singer Sango, Ogun State.
It is a season where God is ready to reveal Himself like never before. Members of the public are invited to attend.
GEN CHRISTOPHER GWABIN MUSA SUPPORT INITIATIVE COMMENDS STATE-FEDERAL COLLABORATION IN ZAMFARA
The Gen Christopher Gwabin Musa Support Initiative (GCGMSI) has commended the Zamfara State Government for its decisive contribution to security operations through the donation of newly acquired armoured personnel carriers (APCs), surveillance drones, and other critical operational equipment to troops and security agencies in the state.
This commendation was contained in a statement signed by the Convener of the GCGMSI, Ibrahim Dahiru Danfulani, Sadaukin Garkuwan Keffi/Betara Biu, and made available to the press.
The equipment was formally commissioned on Wednesday, February 18, by the Grand Patron of the GCGMSI and Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, OFR (rtd.), in a ceremony at the Government House, Gusau. The event was attended by senior military officers, heads of security agencies, and top officials of the Zamfara State Government.
The GCGMSI, in its statement, hailed the donation as a “transformative and timely intervention” that aligns perfectly with its core objective of advocating for and supporting tangible measures that enhance the operational capacity and welfare of Nigeria’s security forces. The Initiative praised Governor Dauda Lawal’s administration for moving beyond rhetoric to actionable, material support, describing the move as a “blueprint for state-level collaboration in national security.”
“The provision of these assets by the Zamfara State Government is a testament to visionary leadership and a profound commitment to the peace and stability of its people,” the GCGMSI statement read. “It represents the exact kind of synergistic partnership between state and federal authorities that the GCGMSI champions. This initiative will significantly close operational gaps, boost the confidence of our gallant troops, and send a strong message to criminal elements.”
Speaking at the commissioning, General Musa emphasized that sustained collaboration is indispensable in confronting the nation’s evolving security challenges. He specifically commended Governor Lawal for his proactive support.
“Governor Dauda Lawal has demonstrated exemplary leadership and an unwavering dedication to the security of Zamfara State,” the Defence Minister stated. “The provision of these armoured vehicles, surveillance drones, and other operational equipment will undoubtedly boost the morale and operational effectiveness of our troops and other security agencies on the ground. This is a commendable effort that should be emulated by others.”
The newly commissioned assets, which include multiple APCs and advanced surveillance drones, are expected to dramatically enhance the mobility, protection, intelligence-gathering, and rapid response capabilities of security forces, particularly in the state’s remote and difficult terrains where anti-banditry operations are ongoing.
In his remarks, Governor Lawal reiterated his administration’s steadfast commitment to being a reliable partner in the security architecture. He urged security agencies to deploy the new resources responsibly and effectively to safeguard lives and property.
The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Defence, reaffirmed its commitment to continuing and deepening such partnerships with state governments across the nation to strengthen coordination and resource allocation in the collective fight against insecurity.
The GCGMSI concluded its statement by urging other state governments to take a cue from Zamfara’s “bold and pragmatic” approach, affirming that such concrete support is vital for achieving lasting peace and security across Nigeria.
-
celebrity radar - gossips6 months agoWhy Babangida’s Hilltop Home Became Nigeria’s Political “Mecca”
-
society5 months agoReligion: Africa’s Oldest Weapon of Enslavement and the Forgotten Truth
-
society6 months agoPower is a Loan, Not a Possession: The Sacred Duty of Planting People
-
news6 months agoTHE APPOINTMENT OF WASIU AYINDE BY THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AS AN AMBASSADOR SOUNDS EMBARRASSING
You must be logged in to post a comment Login