Culture/Tourism
Cultural Heritage Of Ogu People
Ogu Community is the second largest town among the Wakirike Be Se communities (i.e. Okrika nation) in Rivers State. It is about 45 minutes drive from Port Harcourt. A chieftaincy community with respectable chieftaincy institution that binds the community together. It is one of the 24 designated Urban Areas carved out in 1987 by the Rivers State Government, and a Local Government Headquarters in the State created on 1st October, 1996 by the Late Sani Abacha’s Military Regime. Kudos to that regime!
Ogu with her satellite settlements is surrounded by Eleme LGA in the West, Tai LGA in the North, Bonny LGA, Wakama Ama and Bolo communities in the South and Okrika LGA in the South-West. It could be reached by sea and land. It has well over 50 satellite villages and fishing settlements that could be reached through sea on Ogu creek and the Bonny River, while others by land through Eleme and Tai LGAs, Some of the satellite villages and fishing settlements include: Tende Ama Ada Ama, Tamuno Ama (Ofunguru Ama), Yude Ama, Kporo, Chuku Ama,. Nemieboka Ama, Iga fe Ama, Tende fe Ama, Olobulo Ama, Brown Ama, Afaka Ama,Agakien Ama, DasoAma, OwukiriAma, OmodaraniAma, PiriAma, Ogobo Ama, Iwomabie Ama, Ogweinbie Ama, Owupele Ama, Fombo Ama, Siere Ama, Ogugu-ChukuAma, Igbikiyemieari Ama, Tububie Ama, Orubie Ama, Anigoboka Ama, Atubonacheofoin-a Ama, Nyanabo Ama, Ogonotoru Ama, Ilanga/Yikabo Ama, F ebie Atna, Amabara Ama, Adu fe Ama, Chuku Ama II, Ikika fi piri Ama, . Olomusoko Ama, Ikpokiri I, Ikpokiri II, Ikpokiri III (Wharf), Tombikuku, Owugono, Ibiorika Kiri, Ibiebele Kiri, Orabere Kiri, Yikabo Kiri, Gream Kiri, Odo Kiri, Abereniboye Kiri, Adokiye Owuapuigbiki Kiri, Kulo Kiri, Sani Kiri, Apanatibo Kiri, Ipiangba Fibumo Kiri, Bumo Kiri, Semenibipi/Iyo Kiri, Ichi Kiri, Adolphus N emieboka Kiri, Niniapu Kiri boko, Agakien Kiri, Otobipi Kiri, Mbi Kiri, Fulobele Kiri, and so many others which are doted all over the scape of the Eastern Niger Delta. Because the people of Ogu are metropolitan in outlook, settlements taken as villages are actually big towns in other places.
Ogu also has neigbouring communities such as Sime, Barale, Barayira, Norkpo and Nonwa, all in Tai LGA. While others are Eteo and Onne in Eleme LGA, Mgbemgbe Boko in Okrika LGA, as well as Bolo and Wakama Ama communities in Ogu/Bolo LGA that share boundaries with her.
Ogu Community is economically viable. Fishing and peasant farming are the main economic activities of the people. Trading is principally with our contiguous communities of Tai, Eleme, Bonny and Andoni. The lntroduction of “legitimate” trade by Europeans at the middle of the last century increased the volume of commercial activities in Ogu as more and more people from near and far came to Olobulo market, Adu fe, Olomu Soko and Tende fe to carry on the “large trade” which Consul Ralph Moor spoke about in 1896.
With the penetration of the missionaries came Christianity and Western education, and the people embraced both. Thus, in 1966, the magnificent St. Martins’ Anglican Church was completed and dedicated to God in Ogu. Even today, the church stands, not only as a marvelous architectural edifice, but also, as a monumental and durable evidence ofa peoples’ ancient devotion to progressive thought and action. In 1973, Government Secondary School, Ogu, the first post primary school in Ogu/Bolo LGA was established. For many years, this college remained distinguished from others by its priority. By the mid 70, Ogu could boast of a modern hospital, good drinking water and tarred road.
In any event, the civil war, the creation of LGAs in the country and the great expansion of oil exploration and exploitation activities have had their effect on the people of Ogu. There is no doubt that there is some evidence of development all around. There has been, for instance, a significant increase in the number of educational and health institutions in Ogu as well as connected to the national grid.
Yet, Ogu that is one of the early participants in the march of civilization and progress, a lot more profound evidence of development must be demanded from it as the 21st century rolls to a close. Ogu has within its territory three oil wells known as Ikpokiri Bie called Ogu I, Daso Ama called Ogu II and Agakien called Ogu III as proved by seismic surveys under the supervision of Alakiri oil field that started production in 1970.
In addition to this, Ogu hosts several strategic establishments of National interest such as the Federal Lighter and Ocean Terminals, Onne/lkpokiri Oil and Gas Export Free Zone Authority, “the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Intel Nigeria Limited and several service companies. They are located on the left bank of Ogu creek, from Bonny River. In spite of all this, Ogu people, to use a cliche, have nothing to show for it. What gains they have had is only in the form of the devastation of the land and sea-scapes with the attendant health harzards.
The people of Ogu Community have a culture that is distinctive, impressive and to a large extent without influence. Featuring prominently in the culture of Ogu people are the Iria puberty and marriage ceremonies, wrestling, traditional plays, burial rites, installation of chiefs and traditional rulers ceremonies and many other rites and plays connected with the day to day life of the people.
Masquerades, some of them colourful and artistic in either their make-ups or paraphernalia, are a common sight throughout the community and the entire Local Government Area, especially during festive occasions.
In concept, these are either religious or historical or personifications of the rich legends of the people. And their classic performances, backed by the refreshing poetry of songs and music, bring to focus the high sense of drama and entertainment of the people.
A variety of dances, each unique in its form, also abound. Musical instruments include pots and drums, wooden gongs, horns and xylophones. All these are made locally by experts with an ancient tradition behind their craftsmanship.
Carving of masquerades and ceremonial canoes is a revered art and carvers have greatly improved the quality of their work over the years. Gradually, the purely functional forms of these carvings are being given new dimension and finish that reflect the people’s innate respect for aesthetic values.
The dances, plays and masquerades depict the religious, social and working life of the people. In turn, the life of the people has been greatly influenced by their culture. Thus, a spiritually ennobling circle has been set up. The Ogu man’s (Okrika-Ijaw) confidence, his love of truth, fair-play and wholesome dealings can all be traced to the influence of his unique cultural heritage.
Wife of the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Mrs Ijeoma Emeka, has visited Onne Police Divisional Headquarters.
The visit of the Police Commissioner’s wife last week was geared towards familiarising herself with the police officers’ wives and attending to their needs.
The CP’s wife’s entourage was received on that day by the Onne Divisional Police Officer.
Ijeoma, in her remarks, said her mission was to familiarise herself and synergies with wives of police officers under her as regards their welfare
She emphasised the cleanliness of the barracks and working relationship to achieve the desired objective
Earlier, the Onne Divisional Police Officer, CSP Ugochukwu Ijeoma expressed gratitude to the CP’s wife for finding time to visit the Division.
CSP Ijeoma described her visit as a welcome development, saying the lectures delivered by the CP’s wife were memorable.
He said the inspection of the barracks was done in a novel manner and said the visit would improve the welfare of the women.
Ijeoma while speaking with newsmen said she has taken into account the state of the women under her as well as bettering their lives.
She said some palliatives were distributed by her., describing it as a rare privilege to host the wife of the Commissioner of Police
The Onne Divisional Police Officer urged residents of the area to be law-abiding and give the police relevant information that could lead to the apprehension of criminals.
He said the fight against crime must be a collective responsibility as the police are ever ready to cooperate with everyone to reduce crime.
Mr Echeng Eworo, Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG), has urged the personnel of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) to shun bribery in the discharge of their duties.
Eworo, in charge of Zone nine, Umuahia, gave the charge yesterday during his one-day working visit to Ebonyi State Police Command, Abakaliki.
He said that the measure would ensure good service delivery to the people and also bring about free crime society for the citizens.
“You should keep on doing the good work of ensuring a free crime society for the citizens.
“You must shun all sorts of bribery, as the law will not allow anyone found wanting to go unpunished.
“Do not shy away from your responsibilities. Always stand for the right thing for effective protection of the people,” he said.
The AIG described the police as the leading agency in the protection of lives and property, urging the personnel to embrace professionalism on the job.
“The police is all about the people. Always ensure that you protect them, be objective and do what is right. Remember that all the units in the command were set up for a reason in crime fighting processes,” the AIG said.
Earlier, Mrs Augustina Ogbodo, the Ebonyi Commissioner of Police, thanked the AIG for the visit, adding that the personnel in the state had been dedicated to their duties.
Ogbodo, who gave a brief breakdown of her achievements since her assumption of office as 26th Commissioner of Police in Ebonyi, said the personnel had nabbed suspected fraudulent employment syndicates in the state.
Other suspects arrested include suspected kidnappers, cultists, robbers as well as recovery of arms of various kinds.
She commended the Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, and the AIG on their supports to the officers and men in the command and promised to do more work at ensuring peaceful environment for the people.
Troops of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), have eliminated scores of Boko Haram terrorists and rescued abducted victims in recent encounters in the Lake Chad Basin region.
The Chief of Military Public Information Office for MNJTF, Lt.-Col. Kamarudeen Adegoke, made this known in a statement on Tuesday in N’Djamena, Chad.
Adegoke said the troops of MNJTF Sector 4 in Niger, while on patrol along Kara–Diffa Road on Jan. 9, 2023, intercepted four persons suspected to be Boko Haram/ISWAP logisticians conveying about 1,000 litres of fuel.
He said the fuel was cleverly concealed in plastic bags inside a Toyota Highlander Jeep and was being transported from Maine Soroa to the Lake Chad Islands, possibly to suspected terrorists.
He added that the sum of N650,000 was also recovered hidden in the vehicle, saying that suspects and exhibits were in custody of MNJTF Sector 4 for further investigations.
Adegoke said the troops of Sector 3 (Nigeria), had in another incident on January 11, 2023, repelled an attempted infiltration by the Boko Haram/ISWAP criminals due to superior firepower.
He said that two terrorists were killed at the end of the encounter and one Rocket Propelled Grenade, seven bombs, two 60mm mortar bombs, 36 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, seven mortar chargers and two wooden canoes were recovered.
According to him, the canoes were promptly destroyed.
“Similarly, on Sunday, unspecified number of Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists also attempted to infiltrate Monguno in MNJTF Sector 3 (Nigeria) in the early hours of the morning but met the gallant and alert troops.
“Troops engaged the criminals in a fire fight forcing them to withdraw in disarray.
“The unrelenting troops pursued and engaged the criminals along their withdrawal routes neutralising three criminals while many fled with gunshot wounds.
“The troops also recovered one AK 47 rifle and 2 magazines after the encounter.
“Regrettably, a soldier paid the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty in this encounter.
“Five young men suspected to have been abducted were rescued by the troops while five brand new boxer motorcycles were also captured from the terrorists during the encounter.
“Efforts are being made to ascertain the origin of the motorcycles and how they were smuggled into the Lake Chad Islands while the rescued young men are being profiled in the Sector Headquarters before further processing,” he said.
MNJTF spokesman further said that a total of 70 terrorists surrendered to troops of Sector 4 MNJTF (Niger) and troops of Sector 1 (Cameroon).
He said the surrendered terrorists would be treated in line with standard procedures for such surrenders which would include interrogation and profiling by the relevant authorities.
He added that the Force Commander (FC), Maj.-Gen. Abdul-Khalifah Ibrahim, had enjoined the troops to continue to maintain resilience and offensive posture until the criminals surrendered totally or are defeated completely.
According to him, the force commander reaffirmed the fact that the terrorists have been severely degraded and there is need to finally finish them off.
“He reminded the Force of the obligation they have to observe international humanitarian laws and to be professional at all times.
“The FC praised the courage and determination of the troops of the MNJTF and their commanders and paid tribute to the fallen hero and passed his deep condolences to the soldier’s family.
“He called on the people of Lake Chad basin region to continue to support the MNJTF and other security forces with useful information to help bring this conflict to an end.