TWO YEAR'S REMEMBRANCE OF AN ICON; CHIEF JIMOH ALIU.

TWO YEAR'S REMEMBRANCE OF AN ICON; CHIEF JIMOH ALIU.

....Nigerian dramatist, sculptor, film writer, playwright and director.

Jimoh Aliu (popularly known as Aworo) was born on Novemebr 11th, 1939 in Okemesi, Ekiti West local government area of Ekiti State. He is a seasoned artiste, producer, location designer, director, make-up artist and singer.

He is widely known to have attended the elementary school for just six months and born in mystifying circumstances. His father, Aliu Fakoya, was an Muslim and Ifa priest who hailed from Oke-Imesi but his mother from Iloro-Ekiti. As an itinerant Ifa Priest and Diviner, Aliu Fakoya took his son, Jimoh' to places like Ijebu-ode, Ifo, Ota, Odogbolu, Sagamu, Ada, Aagba, Iresi, Otan-Aiyegbaju and Lagos. Jimoh attended the old St. Peter Catholic Primary School Okemesi he was taught the art of divination by his father, as well as the use of herbs. When Jimoh was in Lagos, he learnt the trade of bricklaying, tailoring and driving.

In 1959, Aliu joined the Ogungbe Theatre and remained there until 1966. With Ogungbe Theatre he toured almost all towns in old Western Region now Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo and Ekiti. In 1966, he left Ogungbe Theatre, and formed Jimoh Aliu Concert Party. This group was based in Ikare Akoko in Ondo State.

Jimoh is a highly respected classical Theatre Arts practitioner with a passionate interest in the life of the community and its cultural heritage, as well as commentator on Nigeria culture abroad, Chief Jimoh Aliu form a bridge between the old and the new Nigeria. He is an actor, scriptwriter, producer/director, singer, dancer and makeup artist, costumes and location designer.  He began his acting career in 1959, when Akin Ogungbe, a Nigerian veteran dramatist visited his hometown. He became famous for his hit TV productions, "Arelu" and "Yanpon Yanrin", which bore famous characters like Fadeyi Oloro, Orisabunmi and Aworo.

In 1967, he joined the Nigeria Army. He was lucky that his superior officers quickly identified his talent as a dramatist. He was mobilized to tour the liberated areas, communicating soldiers in the war affected areas during the civil war. He used Pidgin English as a means of communication while he was performing for the Nigeria Army in the war fronts. He performed in places like Uyo, Eket, Enugu, Onisha, Aba, Port-Harcourt, Benin and some areas of the Northern part of Nigerian. Played acted for the soldiers include. Arugbo soge, Fesoyaiye, and Ojuenimala. He performed for the 12 State governments at the Police College Hall, Kaduna during the Nigeria Army Sports week in 1975. 

He retired from the Army in 1975 to carry on as an independent artist, under the name Jimoh Aliu Cultural Group. Apart from touring many parts of Ogun, Ondo, Oyo, Kwara and Bendel States, he has performed for Nigerian Television, Sokoto, Minna, Jos and Akure. He produced four series of play for ATOKA the Yoruba photo play magazine. He also produced many radio plays, including: Ma boreje, Afopina, Odu-Ifa,/gba-Oro, Orunmila, Orisa Adimula, Igbo Olodumare, Iku jare eda, Agba-arin, Laalu, and Kutupuu.

His Television play, Igbo Olodumare based on a novel written by D.O. Fagunwa and commissioned by Yemi Farounbi, as General Manager NTV Akure marked a watershed in his career. The programme was such a huge success in Ondo State, and represents till today, the most creative programme by any Television Station in Ondo State. Igbo Olodumare, was shown in all the Yoruba speaking states having been on NTA Ilorin, NTA Abeokuta, NTA Akure and BCOS-TV, Ibadan. His other television drama series Igba Oro produced by Yemi Farounbi Labs Deroy Centre Limited, was shown on OSRC-TV Ibadan, NTA Abeokuta, NTA Ikeja, OSRC TV Akure and NTA Ilorin. Jimoh Aliu is a resourceful actor, who has feature in many Ogunde’s films as actor, make-up artist, costume-designer etc. It is around the creative artiste, versed in Yoruba Culture, that Agba-Arin is woven around. AGBA-ARIN brings together a rich collection of the best artistes and Jimoh brings the authentic creative Nigerian.

Aliu was formerly married to his colleague and Orisabunmi star, Folake Aremu, before they parted ways after 20 years of marriage. He currently has two wives - Queen Bola and Folashade.

After years on the airwaves, he was honoured with a National Merit Award of Member of the Federal Republic (MFR) in December 2005.

The Veteran actor and playwright icon, Chief Jimoh Aliu, died at the aged of 86years in 2020.

We love you.

We remember you, continue to rest in the bottom of Almighty God. 

NYSC Corps Members Conduct Free Medical Checkup In Ihiala.

NYSC Corps Members Conduct Free Medical Checkup In Ihiala.

....Enlighten pregnant women on post-natal, post-partum care.

By: Olamide Akinwumi 

A generation ago, people used to see their doctor only when they were sick, or dying. Today, preventative health care is becoming commonplace as people become more educated and empowered about their own health. 

In-line of this , the National Youths Service Corps of Medical and Health Community Developments Service (CDS) group in Ihiala LGA, of Anambra State, has organised a free medical checkup program tagged, "important of medical checkup to life", as part of their community development project.

The program which took place on 15th of September 2022 at Okija General hospital comprises of: Pregnant education for pregnant women, HIV/AIDS test, Hepatitis B test, Blood Pressure and Sugar test, Malaria and Typhoid test, Weight checkup and so on.

About 50 participants including Pregnant women, old women's and children's who attended the programme undergo various testing, and were counseled and advised by Doctor and others Health care practitioners to go for further testing and treatment.

Ejiofor Cindy Chisom, President, NYSC Medical and Health Community Developments Service (CDS) Group in Ihiala Local Government Area disclosed that the sensitization workshop is aimed at sensitizing most especially the pregnant women on some common psychosocial and pathological issues that affect the well-being of the modern day woman and as well as to enlighten old women's on how to take good care of themselves during the old age. 

 

According to her, "Prenatal education promotes the maintenance of healthy lifestyles during pregnancy, helping expectant mothers manage stress, support a healthy diet, avoid harmful chemicals and situations, recognize warning signs and symptoms that mean something may be wrong with their pregnancy, and prepare for labor and delivery, she explained".

Some Health care practitioners who speaks at the occasion made it known that regular check-ups can help find potential health issues before they become a problem.

"When you see your doctor regularly, they are able to detect health conditions or diseases early. Early detection gives you the best chance for getting the right treatment quickly, avoiding any complications. By getting the correct health services, screenings, and treatment you are taking important steps toward living a longer, healthier life.

"Attaining the goal of appropriate medical care for older women requires knowledge of the changes of aging, skills in recognition and treatment of disease, and an effort to provide help and avoid harm. Latrogenic disorders are particularly problematic in all elderly, due to decreased stress tolerance, increased prevalence of illness, and atypical presentations of disease. Iatrogenic disorders are most commonly due to drugs; elderly women are particularly at risk due to altered pharmacokinetics, multiple medical problems, difficulties with compliance, and inappropriate prescribing practices by physicians, they explained ".

As part of the programme, drugs were given out to the participants.

The impact of the program will forever remain in the heart of the community occupants.

THE IGBO PYRAMIDS

THE IGBO PYRAMIDS 

...built with hardened red mud and clay.

Most people have never heard of it. On the highlands of Udi in Enugu state, the Nsude pyramids which is also known as the Igbo pyramids once stood as a testimony to Black Africa’s level of cultural enlightenment.

Built with hardened red mud and clay, the structures lasted centuries until the 1930s when degradation followed by years of negligence, so much that today only their faint outlines can be traced.

A report on the monuments published in Wikipedia describes them as “one of the unique structures of Igbo culture”.

In 1935, British anthropologist and colonial administrator, G. I. Jones, took pictures of the pyramids when he was building up an extraordinary photographic record of Southeastern Nigerian culture when he stumbled upon the clay formed wonders.

Armed with his Roloflex camera, Jones took shots of the 10 circular stepped pyramids. The Nsude pyramids are however yet to be carbon dated, but judging by the black and white photos (taken in 1935), they are 'very old'.

The first base section was 60 ft. in circumference and 3 ft. in height. The next stack was 45 ft. in circumference. Circular stacks continued, till it reached the top. The structures were temples for the god Ala/Uto, who was believed to reside at the top.

A stick was placed at the top to represent the god’s residence. The structures were laid in groups of five parallel to each other. Because it was built of mud like the Deffufa of Nubia, time has already taken its toll on it.

Strikingly, these pyramids bear resemblance to the Step Pyramid of Saqqara, in Egypt constructed in 2648 BC. More fascinating is the similar replication of Nubian-like pyramids thousands of miles away from the Nubian area in the heart of Igboland.

Evidence like this indicates a strong level of correlation between the ancient Egyptians and the ancient Igbo.

Community leaders and historians have appealed in the past for the restoration of the circular pyramids. Unless the government takes appropriate steps to reconstruct them, that historical monument will remain, perhaps, one of black Africa’s greatest losses to world civilization.

Progressive Young Leaders Summit To Hold Sunday and Monday.

Progressive Young Leaders Summit To Hold Sunday and Monday.

Press Release:

The Progressive Young Leaders Summit of the All Progressive Congress (APC) is scheduled to hold on the 18th and 19th of September, 2022 (Sunday and Monday), at the International Conference Center, Abuja, with many party leaders, candidates, elders and youths from across the country assuring of attendance.

The summit is organized by the youth wing of our great party the All Progressive Congress (APC), under the able leadership of our National Youth Leader, Hon. Dayo Israel.

The summit, which is first of its kind, will gather thousands of young minds of our great party, who will participate both physically and online to address and set agenda towards the success of the forthcoming general elections.

The National Youth Leader, Hon. Dayo Israel, said the summit is designed to unite the Nigerian youths and make them understand the task ahead - winning the forthcoming elections. He further stated that the number of participants that registered for the summit are quite significant. And the committees alongside other communities of the summit are working harmoniously and tirelessly towards the success of the event which will be an eye opener to set a road map for the party, considering the pivotal roles that the youths play in politics.

According to him, the All Progressive Congress (APC), as a ruling party will produce the  next president of the country, as there is no strong opposition that can match the popularity and capacity of our presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. 

He debunked the rumor going round that the summit will not hold, adding  that all the internal wrangling were part of the youths resilience and commitment to the success of the event and all have been resolved. And he asserts that the summit will serve as a symbol of national integration and unity amongst Nigerian youths across the country.

He however urged the youths, from all nooks and crannies of the country to register for the summit by clicking http://youngprogressives.ng/pylsummit, assuring them of fruitful discussions and deliberations from various speakers expected at the summit. 

Signed.

Lanre Oyegbola

Chairman, Press & Media Committee

Progressive Young Leaders Summit

EKITI GOVERNOR-ELECT, OYEBANJI MEETS ADEYEYE.

EKITI GOVERNOR-ELECT, OYEBANJI MEETS ADEYEYE.

...discussed extensively on modalities for ensuring good governance in Ekiti State.  

Ekiti State Governor-elect, Mr Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, on Wednesday  paid a 'thank you' visit to  former Senator representing Ekiti South Senatorial District,  Prince Dayo Adeyeye, for his support during the June 18, governorship election.

The two leaders who met at Adeyeye's Abuja residence, discussed extensively some modalities for ensuring good governance in Ekiti State.  

They also  discussed how to ensure massive victory for the All Progressives Congress ( APC) Presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in the 2023 Presidential election.

Oyebanji described the meeting as fruitful, adding that it afforded him the opportunity to formally invite the former Senator to his inauguration slated for  October 16th.

He described Senator Adeyeye as a true democrat and prominent party leader, whom he has great respect for.

Oyebanji Media Team

15th September 2023

STORY OF SOSOLISO PLANE CRASHED IN PORT HARCOURT.

STORY OF SOSOLISO PLANE CRASHED IN PORT HARCOURT.

...the Nigerian-owned Sosoliso was established in 1994.

On December 10, 2005, Sosoliso Airlines Flight 1145 was on a scheduled domestic passenger flight. The flight was between Abuja and Port Harcourt.

The captain of the McDonnell Douglas DC-9-32 was Benjamin Adekunle Adebayo. He was a 48-year-old pilot with a total flying experience of 10,050 hours with 1,900 of them on the DC-9. 

At about 14:08 local time, the aircraft crash-landed at Port Harcourt International Airport. The aircraft was carrying 110 people when it crashed while landing in stormy weather in the oil city of Port Harcourt.

The plane slammed into the ground and burst into flames. Of the 103 passengers and 7 crew members there were only two survivors, although seven survivors were initially rescued.

Many passengers survived the initial impact but died in the resulting fire.  Other passengers later died from their injuries.

Port Harcourt Airport had one fire truck and no ambulances. None of 7 crew members survived the crash. Among the passengers were about sixty secondary school students from Loyola Jesuit College in Abuja.

Out of the 60 teenagers from the school, 59 were killed, with Kechi Okwuchi (@Kechi ) being the only survivor from her school.

Kechi was treated at Milpark Hospital in Joburg, South Africa and at Shriners Hospitals for Children in Galveston, Texas, United States. Kechi later went on to take part in the twelfth season of America’s Got Talent in 2017 as a singer, and finished the competition as a finalist. 

Kechi image 

Televangelist Bimbo Odukoya, pastor of the Fountain of Life Church, was also on the ill-fated flight. She succumbed to her injuries the day after the accident. Pastor Odukoya’s personal assistant, Bunmi Amusan (now Bunmi Adams) survived the plane crash.

It was the second air disaster to occur in Nigeria in less than three months, after Bellview Airlines Flight 210, which crashed on 22 October 2005 for reasons unknown, killing all 117 people on board. It was the Sosoliso’s first and only fatal accident.

Following the crash, president Olusegun Obasanjo ordered all Sosoliso planes grounded. The Nigerian-owned Sosoliso was established in 1994. It began scheduled flights as a domestic airline in July 2000.

THE STORY OF KEN SARO-WIWA (1941-1995).

THE STORY OF  KEN SARO-WIWA (1941-1995).

He received the honorary title “Saro,” meaning “eldest son.” 

Kenule, or Ken, Saro-Wiwa was an environmental activist, author, and television producer. He was born in Bori, a small town in the Niger Delta; his father, Jim Wiwa, was a chief of the Ogoni people, an ethnic minority in the Delta region. He received the honorary title “Saro,” meaning “eldest son.” 

In the 1950s, Wiwa witnessed the initial entrance of foreign oil companies and the beginning of the extraction of crude oil in the Niger Delta region. Excelling in school at a young age, he left the Niger Delta to attend the Government College in Umuahia in Eastern Nigeria,on a scholarship to study English. He attended the University of Ibadan, where he received an honors degree in English.

Wiwa was there when the Nigerian Civil War began in 1967 and for the duration of the war he supported the Nigerian opposition to the Biafrans. Despite his opposition to the civil war, Wiwa was appointed administrator of the oil depot at Bonny Island in the Niger Delta in 1968. In 1969, he became the regional commissioner for education in the Rivers State Cabinet but was dismissed from his position in 1973 after he began calling for autonomy for the Ogoni people. His writings became increasingly political, bringing national and international attention to the Ogoni’s struggle.

During the mid 1980s, Wiwa primarily concentrated on writing, publishing, and television production. His first book Sozaboy: A Novel in Rotten English, published in 1985, was a fictionalized account of the corrupt Nigerian army during the civil war. In 1989, he released his war diaries in a book titled On a Darkling Plain. He wrote two novels that explored the position of women in Nigerian society, Adaku and Other Stories, published in 1989 and Lemona’s Tale, published posthumously in 1996. Wiwa additionally tried his hand in television. He produced the popular series Basi & Company that ran from 1985 until 1992, when it was canceled by the military dictatorship.

By the early 1990s, Wiwa shifted his focus from literature and television to issues of human rights and environmental preservation, particularly in his home region Ogoniland, the center of crude oil extraction by multinational corporations operating in Nigeria. 

He established and led the Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP) and relatedly, the campaigns against the Royal Dutch Shell Company, demanding that the company share the profits of oil extraction.

In January 1993, Wiwa and the MOSOP lead a series of peaceful marches in which an estimated 300,000 Ogoni people participated. For the first time the marches drew significant international attention to the plight of the Ogoni. After a series of arrests in 1992 and 1993, Wiwa was among nine Ogoni human rights and environmental activists who were tried in a kangaroo court by the military government of General Sani Abachi and hanged on November 10, 1995.

The Royal Dutch Shell Company was implicated in the execution of Ken Saro-Wiwa and on June 8, 2009, the company agreed to a settlement of $15.5 million, ending a series of lawsuits that accused it of financing and providing logistical support for the execution.

Despite the settlement, Shell denied any connection to the death of Ken Saro-Wiwa.