Ekiti Airport Saga: Ekiti Farmers Takes Protest To Governor's Office Demands Compensation.

Ekiti Airport Saga: Ekiti Farmers Takes Protest To Governor's Office Demands Compensation.

.....Says Ex Governor Fayemi Lied, accuses AVM Ojuawo and Awotiku of shortchanging them.

Farmers whose lands were affected by the ongoing Ekiti Airport Project on Monday staged a protest at the Governors office Premises in Ado Ekiti the state capital. The farmers drawn across all the towns and villages of  Igbemo, Orun, Afao, ijan, Igbogun, Bolorunduro, Iwajo, Aso and Ago Aduloju comprising of Ado, Irepodun/Ifelodun and Gbonyin local governments respectively.  

The aged farmers  thronged the Governor's office to  appeal to Governor Abayomi Oyebanji to please come to their aid and pay the compensation promised them by the government.

The protesters  converged  around 9:00.am with placards with words  " Fayemi Lied to Us, Oyebanji Please Save Our lives, The Airport Project Took Our livelihood " amongst others to drive home their requests.

Speaking to Newsmen, Speaking on behalf of the aggrieved farmers, High Chief Awe Ojo, the Edemo of Igbemo land  frowned at the insensitivity of ex governor Kayode Fayemi whom he accused of shortchanging majority of the farmers affected by the project.

" Fayemi during the inauguration even confirmed that Majority of us have not been paid our entitlements, very few of us received the money promised after the meeting and since then the rest of us have been totally neglected. Fayemi promised to pay remaining money but unfortunately we don't know what happened to it before he left office"

Chief Edemo also maintained that the affected farmers are more in numbers than those that came out today but majority who are old and aged cannot make the tiring journey to Ado Ekiti.

" We are also here on behalf of those old men and women who could not join us today due to their failing health. It is not until they die that they should receive what is rightfully theirs, we know Governor Abayomi Oyebanji to be a man with a kind heart and a listening and that is why we are here today to appeal to him to please

 come to our aid."

Other members of the affected communities also expressed their hope that the Governor will surely attend to their demands.

They accused AVM Ojuawo and Awotiku of shortchanging them in the process and stalled all their efforts to see the governor. The Edemo who spoke in Yoruba lamented that some people acted fraudulently while serving as intermediaries between the government and the farmers.

" Ojuawo and Awotiku were not sincere in their dealings with us, they inserted some unknown names and certified them to collect some money we want the general public to know that we don't know such persons none of us answers PO, AZ or ZT in our midst. It was a fraudulent act perpetrated by the those who served as intermediaries between us and the government" the Edemo concluded.

Addressing the protesters, the Chief executive secretary for Land and Housing Mr.Adedayo Olajide appeased the farmers while assuring them that the Governor Mr. Oyebanji is aware of their predicament and ready to attend to their needs. He also assured the farmers of the state government readiness to ensure the entitlement is paid as soon as possible.

Reacting to the allegations of the farmers that some unknown persons with names like AZ, PO, ZT were fraudulently involved during the first payment has been discovered and removed and as such nobody collected for such authorized names.

It will be recalled that the farmers had in the past months protested at the site of the Airport while the then Governor of Ekiti state John Kayode Fayemi promised to look into the case of those that are yet to be paid their entitlements.

The Farmers visibly in tears passionately appealed to the state government to urgently attend to their demands as some of those affected have started dying.

𝗪𝗛𝗢 𝗜𝗦 𝗢𝗟𝗜𝗩𝗘𝗥 𝗗𝗘 𝗖𝗢𝗤𝗨𝗘.

𝗪𝗛𝗢 𝗜𝗦 𝗢𝗟𝗜𝗩𝗘𝗥 𝗗𝗘 𝗖𝗢𝗤𝗨𝗘

....Oliver De Coque was nicknamed Sunday Oyibo.

Oliver De Coque is a gifted guitarist, prolific composer and highlife musician, Oliver De Coque was truly a symbol of creativity, peace, charity and friendship.

His giant statue with his trademark guitar stands tall in the heart of Ezinifite, a town in Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State. But Oliver Sunday Akanite, aka Oliver De Coque is also a telling example of genuine love and popularity among members of his community and fans. In Anambra State, two communities bear Ezinifite. One is in Aguata Local Government Area while the other, where Oliver De Coque hailed from, is now closely associated with the musician for distinguishing purposes. Usually, the recurring question is: are you going to Ezinifite in Aguata or Oliver De Coque’s Ezinifite?

For a first time visitor to his home town, this fame and reverence begin from Abanato Market Square in Ezinifite where Oliver’s imposing statue stands. Finally, this engaging highlife musician was unveiled by Gaius, one of his younger brothers who speaks about his brother’s mystical birth, his extraordinary life, their supernatural mother, the creativity that runs in the family and a fertile musical career that recorded over 72 works.  

According to Gaius, when Oliver De Coque was born, he was nicknamed Sunday Oyibo because of his white European features like his complexion and curly hair.

Like most children in the community, he attended Ezinifite Central Primary School before proceeding to a commercial school known then as Eastern Academy in Aba, Abia State. However, he dropped out after a few years due to his poor family background even though he had a promising academic future ahead of him. Shortly after leaving Eastern Academy, he went straight into selling shoes at Ekeoma Market in Aba. From there, he learnt guitar and branched out when the urge to develop and showcase his skills as a musician became unbearable.   

Coming from a creative family where imagination thrives, Oliver De Coque had a smooth ride transiting from education and shoe business to music. However, he met a road block when extended family members and friends back home, started mocking his parents for endorsing music as a first child’s career choice. Naturally, a meeting was held and a search and rescue party headed by Oliver’s father was dispatched to Aba. Eventually when his father got to the commercial city, he met his son performing confidently before a big crowd. Immediately, he changed his mind and returned home to share the good news. That was how Oliver De Coque became a regular fixture at naming and burial ceremonies. He was also engaged at other social and cultural events, not only in Aba but in other parts of the old Eastern Region. From his growing clientele and fan base, a career began in earnest.  

“But I must say that at the beginning, nobody gave him any chance. They even mocked him the more because of his skinny size. Those who vehemently opposed his choice of music, including  Chief Duru Egwuchukwu Nzediegwu had argued that nobody ever became rich or successful through music. In fact, Nzediegwu who loved palm wine a great deal did everything possible to discourage Oliver De Coque. But when Oliver asked him if he would ever stop drinking palm wine, he responded, saying palm wine was his life. At this point, Oliver also told him to his face that he would never stop playing music because music was also his life. That was how the matter died a natural death”, Gaius discloses. 

Gaius also sheds light on his brother’s mystical birth and their mother’s spiritual powers as a healer and diviner. “Our mother was a spiritualist who was well known for seeing into the future. Oliver De Coque stayed 10 months in my mother’s belly before he came out. Before he was eventually delivered, a native doctor from Ihiala Local Government had informed my mother that the baby in her tummy was talking and holding a metal gong (a musical instrument) and staff of office (ofor) in his two hands”, he says. 

At this point, it had become clear to everyone that baby Oliver who was declared a musician and native doctor at birth, had a rendezvous with music and destiny. Eventually when he returned after kick-starting his music career, his mother took away the staff of office which symbolized mysticism and gave him a gong (Ogene) for his music and life.  

That appointment with music and providence started yielding fruits when he joined a certain Jonny, a musician in Lagos, a trip that was made possible with the sale of his father’s precious Raleigh Bicycle. After studying guitar under Jonny, he joined different musical groups before eventually traveling to the United Kingdom in 1975. Interestingly, that trip overseas turned Oliver’s life around. Apart from the fact that he was the only band member apart from the band leader who returned to Nigeria, the journey also came with exposure and opportunities. 

The following year, he formed Oliver De Coque and His Expo ’76, Ogene Sound Super of Africa. With his debut, Messiah Messiah, success came knocking almost immediately. But before the triumph that came with Messiah Messiah, Oliver De Coque had tested the bitter pill of failure and disappointment. For many years, he was a local Ekpili minstrel, a hopeless migrant singing and moving from place to place. He later became a reggae musician but also failed woefully. After struggling for a long time with Ekeoha Fire Disaster, his earliest Demo, respite finally came when Olumo Records accepted him. As they say, the rest is now history. 

Oliver De Coque was loved by many people across Nigeria. He was a personal friend of Oba Lamidi Adeyemi 111, the great Alaafin of Oyo. He also bagged a chieftaincy title in Oyo, the Yoruba historical town where the Alaafin reigns. 

However, Azuh Arinze, a journalist and author of many books captures Oliver’s generosity and good nature. In a tribute, Remembering Highlife Maestro, Oliver De Coque, Azuh recalls his unforgettable encounter with his good friend, the guitarist many years ago during the celebrated traditional marriage between Bianca Onoh, Ex-Miss Intercontinental and Chukwuemeka Odimegwu Ojukwu, Ikemba Nnewi, at Ngwo, Enugu State.

“Already on stage as I sauntered in, he beckoned on me to share his electrifying stage with him. Resting one of his hands on my shoulder, he so sang my praise that I didn’t know when I started spraying my transport fare. Sensing perhaps that I was spraying more than I should, under normal circumstance, he pulled me closer and whispered into my ears: “Don’t worry, see me after my performance for all the money you sprayed. Plus my ‘own’ and we burst into laughter. True to his words, he shocked me as soon as he was through by fulfilling his promise. That gesture, I must confess, so humbled me even as a young reporter that I will eternally cherish the memories”. 

Oliver De Coque was great in every way and he will always be remembered for his laughter and cheerfulness. He composed meaningful and melodious songs that are rich in proverbs and everyday realities and challenges. Great songs that were inspired by love, marriage, life, identity, good neighborliness, charity, relationships and accomplishments. He was indeed, one of Africa’s most prolific musicians. His most popular works include: Father Father, Ana Enwe Obodo Enwe, People’s Club, Biri ka Mbiri, Abada, Mama and Papa, Opportunity and Esi Nuno Di Nma, among many others.

HISTORY OF UGHELLI IN DELTA STATE

𝙃𝙄𝙎𝙏𝙊𝙍𝙔 𝙊𝙁 𝙐𝙂𝙃𝙀𝙇𝙇𝙄

....Ughelli is one of the oil producing areas in Delta State.

Ughelli oral tradition has it that their great ancestor and founding father of Ughelli (Ughene) is the second son of Oghwoghwa, a Prince from Benin Kingdom. As history has gone, Oghwoghwa in search of his own kingdom first settlement was at Tarakiri and later left for Ogoviri now the current site of Ogo Techinal College.

Though Urhobo is a group that belongs the people whose written history is largely undocumented. There is almost an absence of European record in their history, the history of  Urhobo people generally began from Edo territory where the ancient town of Udo and Benin City are currently located. At the end of the Ogiso dynasty, many Urhobo and Edo-groups left Udo in different directions, each at its own pace, in search of more peaceful territories. It was natural that in those compelling circumstances, peace loving and less powerful Edo-groups had to leave the territory to seek fortunes in less populated but more economically resourceful territories. Historically, Urhobo people's origin is rooted in their oral tradition.They believe in migration from Aka (present day Edo territory). Although all 22 kingdoms have distinct dialects and traditions that reflect slight variation in origin and migratory patterns, there is a universal Urhobo language.

Ughelli is one of the oil producing areas of the state in Delta Sate with at least 45 oil wells. It has an estimates population of 300,000 spread across seven major clans namely; Ughelli, Orogun, Agbarha, Agbarho, Uwheru, Evwreni and Ogor each with a traditional ruler.

Due to inter-family crisis, Ughelli left Ogoviri and founded Ovwodoawanre (Old Settlement) before the present settlement headquarter at Otovwodo. Ughelli is been headed by a tradional ruler known as King (Ovie) and the first to settle and ruled since moving from Ogovirir was HRH Awhaide. 

However, Ughelli is one of the largest communities in Urhobo land, both in terms of size and population. The town has several schools owned by a government and private individuals, a general hospital, local government secretariat, good motorable roads. The community is a notable link between Delta North and Delta South. The community is rich is crude oil and gas which is evident in the presence of Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC).

Ughelli kingdom is said to have seven major clans namely; Ughelli, Orogun, Agbarha, Agbarho, Uwheru, Evwreni and Ogor each with a traditional ruler. The people are Urhobo. It is also the seat of the Ovie of Ughelli.

𝙄𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨 𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙐𝙜𝙝𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙞

Ughelli lies within the tropical rain forest area of the Niger-delta. The region experiences high rainfall and high humidity most of the year.

The Ughelli People speak Urhobo language. It is linguistically similar to that spoken by the neighboring Isoko people. They also speak English and “Pidgin English” as a result of globalization and development of the community.

Ughelli people forbid the marriage to a close relative or any form of incest.

They forbid eating of Orua

They view adultery as abomination, in fact a taboo.

Ughelli kingdom is said to have seven major clans namely:

Agbarha

Agbarho

Evwreni

Ogor

Orogun

Ughelli

Uwheru

Source: Gist In Kwale.

Researcher: Comr. Olamide Akinwumi James.

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I’ll not interfere in selection of new monarch, Oyebanji tells Ikogosi kingmakers.

I’ll not interfere in selection of new monarch, Oyebanji tells Ikogosi kingmakers.

.…As Gov, Speaker, traditional, religious leaders attend Onikogosi’s burial service.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has again, cautioned kingmakers in his Ikogosi Ekiti hometown, not to involve him in the selection process for a new traditional ruler for the town, stressing that he would not be part of the process. 

Instead, he urged the kingmakers and the chiefs to allow God guide them to do the right thing and select for the town a new monarch whose qualities would surpass that of the late Onikogosi of Ikogosi, HRM Oba Abiodun Olorunnisola, who was seen as a great traditional ruler and a father to all.

Governor Oyebanji stated this during his remarks at the burial service for the late Oba Olorunsola held at the First Baptist, Ikogosi-Ekiti on Saturday.

The service was attended by the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye; President, Nigeria Baptist Convention, Rev’d (Dr) Israel Akanji, traditional rulers and prominent citizens of the town.

While describing the late monarch as an exemplar whose main focus in life was the development of people around him and his community at large, the Governor urged the kingmakers and Onikogosi-in- Council to pray for the right choice who would continue the good work of development of the late Oba Olrunsola.

The Governor also expressed appreciation to the traditional council in the state for their dedication to the service of their communities and ensuring peace and tranquillity in their respective domains. He also thanked them for coming out in large numbers to give their last respect to one of them.

He commended the children of the late monarch for giving their father a befitting burial and prayed that God will grant them the grace to sustain his legacies of hard work, commitment to development and service to the people.

“Baba’s life is a life lived in the service of God, his community and humanity. He was a contented man, a shining example to a lot of people beyond his biological children. It was a life of purpose and a life of impacts. When I heard about his demise, the only person I asked myself is, where are we going to start as a people, as a town, because, between the time he was crowned and by the time he exited, the development in this community has been unprecedented.

“My prayers for the kingmakers is that God will guide you in the choice of the next king. You heard what the kabiyesis said about baba’s sterling qualities. What will happen to this community going forward is going to be dependent on your choice and God will guide you. 

Yes, I am the Governor of Ekiti State, and hail from this town, but I am not from a royal family, I am not going to get involved in the choice of who becomes the next king of this town. I beg you, I said it in the palace and I am saying it again in the house of God, don’t drag me into it, don’t send me text messages, let God guide you to the right thing.

Speaking further, the Governor who said commissioners would be appointed “in few days time”, urged the people to pray that God will help him choose the right people.  “Pray for me especially as we prepare to now appoint commissioners in the next few days, that God will choose for Ekiti people, God will choose men and women that will fear him, that are compassionate and will have the love of the people in their hearts” he said, adding “ I know that there are concerns in some quarters that when we appoint commissioners, the  direction of government will change, it will not change if God is in the business, it will only get better”. The Governor said.

In his sermon, the President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention,  Revd (Dr) Israel Akanji, who spoke on the theme, inheriting eternal life called on Nigerian leaders to stop all forms of man brutality against man as he recounted the ordeal of 121 students of Bethel Baptist School, Kaduna which gulped the church millions of naira as ransom.

While extolling the virtue of the late monarch, the Baptist Convention President urged everyone to live righteous and holy life to inherit the kingdom of God.

Father’s Day 2023: A Significant Occasion That Holds A Special Place In Our Hearts

Father’s Day 2023: A Significant Occasion That Holds A Special Place In Our Hearts.
.....Father's Are Priceless.

Father's Day is a significant occasion that holds a special place in our hearts. Celebrated on the third Sunday of June each year, it is a day dedicated to honouring and appreciating the extraordinary role that fathers play in our lives.

Fathers are not just providers and protectors; they are our guiding lights, mentors, and greatest supporters. They are there to lift us up when we stumble, to wipe away our tears, and to cheer us on in our triumphs. Their unconditional love and unwavering support shape us into the individuals we become.

One of the most admirable qualities of fathers is their ability to be selfless. They work tirelessly to provide for their families, often sacrificing their own desires and needs. They strive to create a safe and nurturing environment where we can grow and flourish. Fathers teach us the value of hard work, perseverance, and integrity. They instil in us the importance of treating others with respect and kindness.

Father's Day gives us an opportunity to express our deep gratitude and love for our fathers. It is a day to show them how much we appreciate their dedication and sacrifices. We can celebrate Father's Day in various ways, from heartfelt gestures to thoughtful gifts. Spending quality time with our fathers, engaging in activities they enjoy, or simply having a meaningful conversation can create lasting memories.

The significance of Father's Day extends beyond biological fathers. It includes stepfathers, adoptive fathers, grandfathers, and other father figures who have played influential roles in our lives. Their love and guidance shape us, regardless of blood relations. Fatherhood is not defined by genetics but by the bond of love and care.

On this special day, let us take a moment to remember fathers who are no longer with us. Their memories live on, and their love continues to inspire and guide us. It is essential to honour their legacies and the impact they made on our lives.

In conclusion, Father's Day is a cherished occasion where we recognize and celebrate the incredible fathers in our lives. It is a time to express our love, gratitude, and appreciation for their unconditional support. Let us seize this opportunity to make our fathers feel cherished, not just on this designated day, but every day. They deserve our heartfelt thanks, respect, and admiration for being the guiding forces in our lives. Happy Father's Day!

Father's Day is a day to honour and appreciate the incredible fathers who shape our lives with their love, guidance, and support. Let's celebrate their selflessness, sacrifices, and unwavering presence. Team Jagran Josh all the Real Superheroes out there, Happy Father's Day!

God Bless All The Lovely And Responsible Father's Out There In The World, Father's Are Priceless 💯💯💯💯.

©️Comr. Olamide Akinwumi James.
Akinwumiolamide09@gmail.com
09068215955

Oyebanji’s Patronize Of Local Motor Dealers Unprecedented In Ekiti, Says EKISMODA.

Oyebanji’s Patronize Of Local Motor Dealers Unprecedented In Ekiti, Says EKISMODA.

..…Group Excited With Procurement of Govt Vehicles From Members.

The Ekiti State Motor Dealers Association (EKISMODA) has expressed heartfelt appreciation to Governor Biodun Oyebanji for his unprecedented support and patronage of the association in the procurement of government vehicles.

The umbrella body of auto dealers in the state described the Governor's gesture as unprecedented in the history of the state saying his action was in fulfillment of his promise to boost local content policy and reduce capital flight from the state.

The Chairman of the Association, Alhaji Adeniyi Bankole of Adebanks Motors in an appreciation message to the Governor, expressed his deepest gratitude to Governor Oyebanji for recognizing the association and extending support through patronage. 

“This is the very first time the State Government will be contracting the procurement of government vehicles to homegrown motor dealers through our association. This has not only boosted the morale of our members but also strengthened our commitment to contributing to the state's progress”, he said. 

Alhaji Bankole noted that the remarkable step taken by the Governor marks the first of its kind in the history of the association and the State, adding that it has solidified a new era of collaboration between the government and Ekiti motor dealers.

While pledging the Association’s full support to the Oyebanji-led administration, the chairman emphasized the association’s readiness to collaborate and support the government.

“A key aspect of our commitment involves diligently paying our taxes to ensure the development and progress of the state”, Alhaji Bankole added.

He praised the Governor for his commitment to developing the economy of the state by not paying lip service to local content policy of the state.

THE STORY OF NIGERIA’S FIRST MILLIONAIRE, CANDIDO DA ROCHA.

THE STORY OF NIGERIA’S FIRST MILLIONAIRE, CANDIDO DA ROCHA.
...He held the chieftaincy title of the Lodifi of Ilesa.

Chief Candido Joao Da Rocha ( 1860 – March 11, 1959) was a Nigerian businessman, landowner and creditor who owned Water House on Kakawa Street, Lagos Island,
and was the proprietor of the now defunct Bonanza Hotel in Lagos. He held the chieftaincy title of the Lodifi of Ilesa.

Da Rocha, a native of Ilesha, was born to the family of Joao Esan Da Rocha, a former slave; his father was 10 years old when he was captured as a slave in about 1840 and Candido was born in the Bahia region of Brazil.

Candido attended CMS Grammar School, Lagos where he was peers with Isaac Oluwole and Herbert Macaulay.

Left is Joao Esan and right is Candido as a young boy with his mother, Angelica Candido is the brother of Moses Da Rocha, one of the earliest Western-trained Nigerian doctors. He lived in Water House on Kakawa Street, Lagos, a house built by his father. The home was commemorated in literature by a novel, The Water House, written by Antonio Olinto.

The house had a borehole and the first water fountain in Lagos Island; water was sold from his house to consumers. Some of his business interests included a restaurant called The Restaurant Da Rocha and Sierra Leone Deep Sea Fishing Industries Ltd.

He collaborated with Lagos businessmen J. H. Doherty and Sedu Williams on a money lending business established under the name of the Lagos Native Bank.

He was a founding member of the Lagos auxiliary to the Anti Slavery and Aborigines Right Society which was headed by James Johnson and had Samuel Pearse and Sapara Williams as members.

Candido was so rich that he was  said to have been so rich, he sent his dirty clothes to Britain for laundry.

Da Rocha died in 1959 and is buried at Ikoyi Cemetery. Among his children were Alexander Da Rocha, Adenike Afodu, Angelica Folashade Thomas and Louissa Turton.