celebrity radar - gossips
The Pride of a People: Unveiling the Majestic Heritage of the Itsekiri Nation
The Pride of a People: Unveiling the Majestic Heritage of the Itsekiri Nation
By George Omagbemi Sylvester
The Itsekiri people, an ethnic group of immense historical depth and regal legacy, are the proud custodians of one of Nigeria’s most fascinating and sophisticated cultures. Anchored in the oil-rich Niger Delta, particularly in Warri, Delta State, the Itsekiri heritage is a testament to centuries of resilience, royalty and refined civilization. Their traditions, clothing, cuisine and royal institutions are not only symbols of ethnic identity but also living proof of a people who have embraced modernity without surrendering their roots.
To speak of the Itsekiri is to speak of pride, fierce, dignified and unapologetic pride. As the Itsekiri proverb goes, “Ogwa no r’ode,” meaning, “A stranger does not surpass the native in knowledge of the town.” This reflects their deep awareness of who they are and their resolute determination to guard their cultural inheritance.
A Royal Lineage with Global Ties
The Itsekiri monarchy is one of the oldest and most respected institutions in West Africa. The Olu of Warri, as the paramount ruler, is not merely a ceremonial figure but a unifier, a symbol of continuity and a revered custodian of tradition. The Itsekiri monarchy traces its origin to 1480 AD, when Ginuwa I, a Benin prince and son of Oba Olua of the Benin Kingdom, migrated and established the Warri Kingdom. This makes the Itsekiri monarchy one of the longest uninterrupted dynasties in sub-Saharan Africa.
Their kings have had historical engagements with European powers as early as the 16th century. Olu Atuwatse I, who ruled in the 1620s, studied in Portugal and was the first sub-Saharan monarch to read and write in Portuguese. He returned with European education, Christianity and diplomatic networks, long before most African rulers had any contact with the Western world.
Today, the revered Ogiame Atuwatse III CFR, crowned in August 2021, stands tall as a modern and visionary monarch. A Harvard-trained intellectual and advocate for youth development, women empowerment and cultural revival, he exemplifies what a 21st-century African king should be, rooted in tradition, yet progressive in outlook. His leadership has revived global interest in the Itsekiri culture and identity.
As former President Goodluck Jonathan once said, “The Itsekiri nation, through its kings and people, has always demonstrated a rare fusion of civilization and cultural rootedness.” That rare blend is what continues to set the Itsekiri apart.
Language and Identity
The Itsekiri language, often described as melodious and deeply expressive, is a Yoruboid language but distinct in its vocabulary and syntax, reflecting centuries of interaction with the Portuguese, Bini and Urhobo cultures. It remains a crucial symbol of ethnic pride. The Itsekiri people have preserved this language despite years of colonial attempts at erasure and post-colonial neglect.
Language is not merely communication, it is identity. As Chinua Achebe famously said, “A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots.” The Itsekiri, with their language and oral traditions, remain firmly rooted.
Clothing: Royalty Woven in Silk and Coral
The traditional attire of the Itsekiri people is a statement of elegance and nobility. For men, the signature outfit includes the long embroidered shirt known as “Kemeje,” worn over George wrappers tied around the waist, often accompanied by coral beads and a walking stick, symbolic of elder status or respect. Women adorn themselves with intricately tied wrappers, lace blouses and headscarves (gele), all lavishly styled with beads and gold jewelry.
During royal events and cultural festivals such as the Olu’s coronation anniversary, the entire Warri Kingdom becomes a canvas of color, grace and historical reenactments. Every piece of cloth tells a story, every bead echoes history. Their clothing is not just fashion; it is heritage in motion.
Cuisine: A Taste of the Delta
Itsekiri cuisine is a delightful journey into the heart of the Niger Delta. Dominated by seafood and rich spices, their dishes reflect both geographic blessings and cultural uniqueness. Meals such as banga soup, owho soup, starch and a variety of smoked fish dishes are staples that delight both locals and visitors.
Their use of palm oil, periwinkles, shrimps and pepper creates a culinary experience unmatched in Nigeria. As Nigerian food critic Ozoz Sokoh writes, “Itsekiri food is a celebration of river and land, a cuisine that tells a story of a people who live in harmony with their environment.”
Festivals and Cultural Celebrations
The Itsekiri people celebrate numerous festivals, the most prominent being the Olu’s Coronation Festival, Oloibiri and Iwere Day events that draw thousands of visitors, cultural troupes and dignitaries from across the globe. These festivals are moments of reconnection with history, ancestors and royal traditions.
Drumming, boat regattas, traditional dances and symbolic rituals during these festivals underscore the Itsekiri belief in spirituality, community and ancestral reverence. They are not just festivities; they are sacred observances that bind generations together.
Diaspora Strength and Global Recognition
The Itsekiri are also notable for their achievements in the diaspora. From the United States to South Africa and the United Kingdom, Itsekiris have excelled in business, politics, academia and the arts. Organizations such as Ugbajo Itsekiri USA, Ugbajo Itsekiri South Africa, and Itsekiri National Youth Council (INYC) continue to promote Itsekiri interests abroad, supporting community projects, education and health outreach back home.
As Mr. Eyitemi Jakpa, Chairman of Ugbajo Itsekiri South Africa, passionately declared: “We carry the name of Itsekiri with dignity. Even far from home, our hearts beat for Iwere Kingdom.”
Indeed, from Nigeria to the United Kingdom, to the United States of America and to South Africa, we are the pride, unyielding, exceptional and royal. The Itsekiri are not just surviving in the diaspora; they are thriving, leading and preserving their cultural flame in a world desperate for authenticity.
Challenges and the Future
Despite their noble heritage, the Itsekiri have not been spared the challenges of marginalization, underdevelopment and political neglect, particularly in the Niger Delta region. Oil exploitation has brought wealth to the federal coffers but little development to Itsekiri communities.
However, their history teaches resilience. Like the waters that surround them, the Itsekiri bend but do not break. Through advocacy, strategic alliances and cultural unity, they continue to demand their rightful place in Nigeria’s socio-political landscape.
As constitutional lawyer and elder statesman Prof. Itse Sagay once remarked, “The Itsekiri may be small in number, but their contribution to Nigerian civilization, politics and economy is monumental.”
Conclusion: Iwere people no dey Carry Last
In the final analysis, the Itsekiri are not just an ethnic group, they are a statement. A statement of nobility, elegance, intellect and pride. From their royal lineage to their colorful garments, from their rich language to their diaspora influence, the Itsekiri remain one of the brightest gems in Nigeria’s cultural crown.
Their story is not just of kings and palaces, but of a people who never lost sight of who they are. A people who have walked with Portuguese explorers, traded with the Dutch, resisted colonial aggression and now shine in boardrooms, universities, parliaments and palaces across the globe.
Let it be echoed in every corner of the world: “Iwere people no dey carry last.” The Itsekiri remain unshaken, proud and ever forward-looking; symbols of what it means to be African, noble and eternally dignified.
celebrity radar - gossips
Kingdom Advancement: God Does Not Confirm Lies or Gossip — He Confirms His Word .” — Dr. Chris Okafor
Kingdom Advancement: God Does Not Confirm Lies or Gossip—He Confirms His Word
“When Doing Business with God,
People’s Opinions Do Not Count.”
— Dr. Christian Okafor
The greatest investment any Christian can make is partnering with God. According to the Generational Prophet of God and Senior Pastor of Grace Nation Global, Christopher Okafor, when a believer commits to serving and advancing God’s kingdom, no barrier, lie, gossip, or blackmail can prevail against them.
This message was delivered during the Prophetic Financial Sunday Service held on February 15, 2026, at the international headquarters of Grace Nation Worldwide in Ojodu Berger, Lagos, Nigeria.
Doing Business with God
Teaching on the theme “Kingdom Advancement” with the subtitle “Doing Business with God,” Dr. Okafor emphasized that when a believer enters into covenant partnership with God, divine backing becomes inevitable.
“God is still in the business of covenant,” he declared. “When you make a covenant with Him, He honors the terms. When you win souls into the kingdom and remain committed to His work, He rewards you with what you could never achieve by your own strength.”
The Man of God stressed that God does not confirm lies, gossip, or negative narratives—He confirms His Word. Therefore, anyone genuinely committed to kingdom business should not be distracted by public opinion.
“No matter the blackmail or falsehood circulating around you, if you are focused on God’s assignment, those attacks will only strengthen you,” he stated.
He further noted that a believer’s understanding of God’s covenant determines their experience. “Your mentality about God’s covenant becomes your reality. When you truly know the God you serve, no devil can move you.”
Biblical Examples of Kingdom Partnership
Dr. Okafor cited several biblical figures who prospered through their partnership with God:
Abel
Abel served God with sincerity and offered his very best. His sacrifice pleased God, demonstrating that when a master is honored, he responds with favor.
David
David’s heart was fully devoted to God, and in return, God’s presence and favor rested upon him throughout his life.
Hannah
Hannah made a covenant with God, promising that if He blessed her with a child, she would dedicate him to His service. After fulfilling her vow, God rewarded her abundantly, blessing her with additional children.
Peter
Peter, a professional fisherman, surrendered his boat at Jesus’ request for kingdom work. Through that act of partnership and obedience, he experienced supernatural provision and divine elevation.
Conclusion
In closing, Dr. Okafor emphasized that one’s approach to God’s covenant determines the level of success and prosperity experienced. Commitment to kingdom advancement secures divine confirmation and supernatural results.
The Prophetic Financial Sunday Service was marked by prophetic declarations, deliverance, healings, miracles, restoration, and solutions to diverse cases presented before Elohim.
At 55, Omoyele Sowore Remains a Defiant Voice of Conscience
By George Omagbemi Sylvester | Published by SaharaWeeklyNG
“SaharaWeeklyNG Management and Staff Salute a Relentless Campaigner for Justice and Democratic Accountability.”
As activist, journalist and politician Omoyele Sowore marks his 55th birthday, the management and staff of SaharaWeeklyNG join millions of Nigerians at home and in the diaspora to celebrate a man widely regarded as one of the most persistent and fearless voices for democratic accountability in modern Nigeria.
Born on February 16, 1971, in Ondo State, Sowore rose from student activism at the University of Lagos to become one of the country’s most recognisable pro-democracy figures. His early involvement in the student movement during the military era of the 1990s placed him at the forefront of protests against dictatorship and repression, a role that would shape the course of his life and career.
He later founded Sahara Reporters in 2006, an online investigative platform that quickly gained prominence for exposing corruption, abuse of power and human rights violations. Operating initially from the United States, the outlet became a symbol of citizen journalism and digital activism, publishing stories often ignored or suppressed by mainstream media. Over the years, the platform has reported on high-level corruption cases, electoral malpractices and security failures, earning both praise and fierce criticism from political authorities.
Sowore’s activism took a dramatic turn in 2019 when he contested Nigeria’s presidential election under the African Action Congress (AAC). Although he did not win, the campaign amplified his calls for systemic reform. Months later, he launched the #RevolutionNow movement, a nationwide protest demanding an end to corruption, economic hardship and insecurity.
In August 2019, he was arrested by Nigeria’s Department of State Services (DSS) on charges of treasonable felony. His detention, which lasted several months despite court orders for his release, sparked international condemnation from human rights groups, civil society organisations and foreign observers. The case turned him into a global symbol of resistance against state repression.
Over the years, Sowore has faced multiple arrests, court trials and travel restrictions. Yet he has remained resolute, insisting that his activism is rooted in the constitutional right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. Supporters describe him as a principled crusader against injustice, while critics accuse him of political extremism. Regardless of the perspective, his impact on Nigeria’s political discourse is undeniable.
His life’s work echoes the enduring words of Nelson Mandela, who once said, “Freedom is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.” For many of Sowore’s followers, his sacrifices represent precisely that spirit, an unyielding struggle for a more accountable and equitable society.
Similarly, the philosophy of Martin Luther King Jr. (that “injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere”) resonates deeply with the trajectory of Sowore’s activism. Whether confronting police brutality, electoral irregularities or economic injustice, he has consistently framed his struggle as one for the collective dignity of Nigerians.
Nigerian Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka once observed that “the man dies in all who keep silent in the face of tyranny.” That sentiment captures the essence of Sowore’s public life. For over three decades, he has refused silence, even when it meant imprisonment, harassment and personal sacrifice.
At 55, Sowore’s journey is far from over. He remains active in political advocacy, civil rights campaigns and public commentary, continuing to challenge what he describes as systemic failures in governance and leadership. His career reflects both the promise and the peril of dissent in a fragile democracy; where the line between patriotism and confrontation is often fiercely contested.
On this milestone birthday, SaharaWeeklyNG management and staff recognise Sowore not merely as an individual, but as a symbol of the enduring struggle for transparency, justice, and democratic renewal. His story is one of conviction under pressure, a reminder that the quest for a better society often demands courage, resilience and a willingness to stand alone.
As Nigeria navigates its complex political and economic realities, figures like Sowore continue to shape the national conversation. Whether praised or criticised, his voice remains a constant in the country’s democratic journey; loud, uncompromising and impossible to ignore.
Banwo Accuses Alex Otti Administration of Governance by Propaganda
Public commentator and lawyer Dr. Ope Banwo has criticised the Abia State Government under Governor Alex Otti, accusing the administration of running what he described as a “propaganda-driven government” built on exaggerated claims and selective messaging rather than measurable governance outcomes.
In a detailed commentary, Banwo argued that while Abia State has recorded some progress in specific sectors, the government’s media machinery has inflated limited achievements into what he called “statewide miracles,” creating a disconnect between online narratives and lived realities.
Banwo, who said he initially viewed Governor Otti as a symbol of hope following the 2023 elections, noted that his concerns emerged after engaging residents and professionals living in Abia to verify widely circulated claims about infrastructure, power supply, healthcare, and transportation.
Central to Banwo’s critique is the portrayal of Abia as a state with uninterrupted electricity. He acknowledged the existence of the Aba ring-fenced power arrangement involving Aba Power and Geometric Power but argued that the arrangement has been misrepresented as statewide energy independence.
According to him, extending the Aba power project to represent the entire state amounts to misinformation, especially given acknowledged outages and the limited geographical coverage of the scheme.
He further questioned claims that Abia was the first state to assume intrastate electricity regulation, stating that other states, including Lagos State, had taken similar steps earlier.
Banwo also raised concerns over viral claims suggesting that biogas facilities are already powering Abia communities, arguing that pilot projects have been prematurely presented as fully operational infrastructure.
He noted that residents he spoke with were largely unaware of any functional biogas-powered communities, stressing that government announcements should be backed by publicly available data on scale, output, and sustainability.
On healthcare, the founder of Naija Lives Matters (NLM) questioned reports that Abia offers free medical care to all citizens above 60 years of age for life, describing the claim as unverified and unsupported by legislation, budgetary provisions, or formal policy documents.
Similarly, he criticised claims suggesting that electric vehicles operate widely across the state and that all roads have been tarred, describing such assertions as exaggerated and misleading.
The self-acclaimed Mayor of Fadeyi argued that the core issue is not the absence of development but what he described as a governance style driven by social media optics rather than transparent performance metrics.
He warned that excessive reliance on viral content, influencers, and unverified claims risks eroding public trust and undermining accountability, noting that effective governance requires data, timelines, and measurable outcomes.
“A serious government does not need to exaggerate results,” Banwo said, adding that citizens require reliable services, not slogans.
He also advised the Abia government to avoid constant comparisons with states like Lagos and its governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, urging the administration to focus instead on publishing verifiable performance records.
Banwo challenged the Otti administration to release clear documentation supporting its claims, including power coverage maps, healthcare policy instruments, infrastructure project lists, and implementation timelines.
He concluded that while Abia State has not “collapsed,” the growing gap between online narratives and on-ground realities could become more damaging than infrastructural deficits if left unaddressed.
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