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ORIKADUN: A CELEBRATION OF AFRICAN CULTURE

Published

7 years ago

September 9, 2019

Sahara Weekly

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.

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FCMB Limits Exposure in Fraud Attempt

Published

2 weeks ago

March 28, 2026

Sahara Weekly

More than ₦3 billion was targeted, but about ₦677 million reached the culprits, with recovery and prosecutions underway, reflecting how banks are responding to more sophisticated fraud risks.

Nigeria’s expanding digital banking sector is facing increasingly sophisticated fraud attempts, as financial institutions adapt to faster transactions and broader online services.

A recent case involving First City Monument Bank (FCMB), linked to fraudulent activity detected in December 2025, has drawn attention to how banks are responding to such incidents, with a focus on limiting exposure, recovering funds and working with law enforcement.

According to findings referenced in proceedings before the Lagos State Special Offences Court, the incident involved unauthorised transactions tied to a digital product. Early reports erroneously suggested more than ₦3 billion was lost. Subsequent clarification shows that over ₦3 billion was targeted, ₦2.4 billion was blocked and recovered, while ₦677 million got into the possession of the culprits. This outcome reflects the bank’s cyber security and monitoring capabilities, as well as improved collaboration among regulated financial institutions and with law enforcement agencies. Several suspects and beneficiaries have been apprehended, while recovery and prosecution efforts are ongoing, led by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Proceedings at the Lagos State Special Offences Court have resulted in convictions, including that of a repeat offender, with restitution orders issued. Related matters are also being handled at the Federal High Court in Lagos, where additional suspects are being tried in connection with the scheme. This process is aimed at ensuring that bad actors are identified and permanently blacklisted from the financial system.

Authorities say recovery efforts are continuing as additional funds are traced.

Analysts note that the pace of legal action reflects closer coordination between financial institutions and enforcement agencies in addressing cyber-related financial crime.

The case comes as banks contend with more complex fraud methods, including social engineering and automated exploitation of system processes.

As digital products and platforms expand, so too does the risk associated with cyber-crime and related fraud.

“The scale of digital banking means risks are evolving alongside the systems,” said a Lagos-based financial analyst. “Institutions are now judged by how they manage these events.”

Observers say the sector is moving toward a stronger focus on response and recovery, rather than prevention alone.

This includes improving monitoring capabilities, strengthening transaction controls and enhancing collaboration with regulators and law enforcement. The FCMB case, with limited exposure relative to the amount targeted and ongoing recovery, reflects that shift.

For customers, the primary concern is the safety of their funds. In this case, there has been no indication of losses affecting customer deposits. Maintaining that level of protection remains central to sustaining trust in the financial system.

Nigeria’s financial sector continues to grow, supported by digital innovation and expanding access to banking services.

However, analysts say fraud attempts are likely to persist as systems become more complex and interconnected.

They say institutions will increasingly be judged not only on their ability to prevent incidents, but on how effectively they respond and recover when they occur.

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Ex-APC Deputy Guber flag bearer, Joshua MacIver backs Tinubu, express fears over implosion in Bayelsa APC

Published

3 weeks ago

March 21, 2026

Sahara Weekly

….congratulates new State Party Chairman, Warman Ogoriba

APC Deputy Governorship Candidate in the 2023 general elections in Bayelsa State, Great Joshua MacIver has declared his total commitment to the re-election of President Bola Tinubu come 2027, declaring that the Tinubu re-election project is non-negotiable.

Great Joshua MacIver, in his statement titled ” BAYELSA APC CONGRESSES: GOING FORWARD, A CALL TO LOOK INWARDS” and made available to newsmen in Yenagoa, warned APC leaders in the state to look Inward and take note of certain factors which may hinder or cut short our victory.

According to Great Joshua MacIver, such noticeable pitfalls include the imbalance in the united front being put up by the State Governor,Senator Douye Diri among various political blocs in the state.

In the statement issued at the weekend. Great Joshua MacIver stated that “First, before His Excellency, Senator Douye Diri, joined the APC in the state, there were clearly two political blocs that made up the party, with the approximate population ratios of the blocs standing at 95% to 5%.”

“After the entrance of His Excellency, Senator Douye Diri, ONLY THE SMALLER BLOC IS BEING CARRIED ALONG IN THE AFFAIRS OF THE PARTY, leaving the greater percentage to their fate, and this situation has the potential to build anger and dissatisfaction in our dear party.”

” The consequence of this has been the high level defection we have witnessed in the party recently and we believe more may likely follow, if we do not put our house in order.”

” If we do not pull together as a party, we may witness a situation where we will lose key stakeholders, especially after the State and National Assembly Primaries as well the Gubernatorial Primaries.”

“Finally, while it is very clear that we are the party to beat in the 2027 elections and that our loyalty to Mr. President IS NON-NEGOTIABLE, we must make haste to say that we cannot afford to create situations or loopholes in our unity which will be exploited by other political interests in the state. We cannot afford to under-rate anyone.”

“Our core interest remains the re-election of Mr. President, a project to which we have committed our all. We also pledge our total loyalty to the party as we have no alternative to the APC. However, our concern is that we must, as a party, look inwards and ensure that we do not create loopholes that can impede our common goal.”

Great Joshua MacIver, however congratulated the newly elected State Executives of the APC in Bayelsà State led by Hon. Warman Ogoriba, saying their emergence is welcomed at this critical time in our national history.

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How Primate Ayodele Foretold Borno Suicide Bomb Attack A Few Weeks Ago (VIDEO)

Published

3 weeks ago

March 17, 2026

Sahara Weekly

“You Can’t Use Primate Ayodele To Score Points For Your Failed Political Ambitions” – Fulani Group Blasts Umar Ardo

At least 23 people were killed in a series of suspected suicide bombings, police in Nigeria’s northeastern city of Maiduguri said on Tuesday.

https://www.stanbicibtcbank.com/nigeriabank/personal/products-and-services/all-loans/stanbic-ibtc-mreif-home-loans

More than 100 other people were injured in the blasts that took place on Monday evening in the capital of Nigeria’s restive Borno state.

No group has claimed responsibility for the suspected attacks.

The deadly blasts come after a military post was attacked overnight Sunday to Monday, which authorities blamed on suspected Islamist militants.

This sad incident is coming barely two weeks after Primate Elijah Ayodele, the Leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church specifically warned against attacks in some states. He mentioned these states while calling on security operatives to pay close attention to them.

These were his words:

“Another attack is coming up in these following states where the military must watch carefully and intelligently; Kano, Kaduna, Zamfara, Kebbi, Niger, Borno, Kwara and Kogi state. They want to do a deadly attack, it’s preventable but it depends on how they will handle it. I have told you about the danger coming up.”

@primateayodele

#borno #nigeria #fulfillment #security #primateayodele

♬ original sound – Primate Ayodele

Unfortunately, some of our military agencies don’t believe spiritual intelligence can save the country from so much danger hence, their neglect of this prophetic warning but now, it has been fulfilled with the miliary losing credibility by the day while Primate Ayodele continues to gain momentum.

Likewise, At least 26 passengers and crew sustained varying degrees of injuries on Monday following an accident involving the Kaduna–Abuja train, according to the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC).

Opeifa explained that the train departed Rigasa in Kaduna at 7:15 a.m. and was approaching Asham station around 9:16 a.m. when a loud bang was heard after the power car and trailing locomotive collided with one of the passenger coaches.

In July 2025, Primate Ayodele asked nigerians to pray not to see train mishap on the Kaduna-Abuja route.