Niger Delta
Don Charges Artistes On Nigeria’s Image
A lecturer at the Univer
sity of Calabar, Prof. Ime Ukpanah, says Nigerian traditional music can thrive, if artistes adhere to the current campaign on the country’s image laundering.
Ukpanah said this recently in an interview with newsmen in Calabar.
“There is increased awareness among the people regarding the effects of changes in social, economic, cultural and historical perspectives.
“Traditional music in Nigeria is not left out in this regard and requires quick re-orientation.’’
Ukpanah said that harnessing capabilities such as music, could address social hazards, mediocrity and poor image making.
He said that it would also ensure the sustenance, acceptance and consumption of Nigerian musical products in the global market, thereby boosting economic development.
“Music is a vehicle of communication and social cohesion, a powerful tool for change and a substantial economic generator of income in most developed societies,’’ he said.
Ukpanah urged the government and relevant stakeholders to promote Nigerian music by funding and subscribing to it.
In another development, Mr Tony Okoroji, the Chairman of Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON), has appealed to the Federal Government to implement the National Endowment Fund for Arts.
He made the appeal on Wednesday in Calabar at the 2011 National Festival for Arts and Culture colloquium, entitled “Nigerian Traditional Music: A Vehicle for Economic Transformation and Unity.’’
Okoroji said that if the national endowment fund was implemented, it would boost development in the arts sector.
“The fund remains a mirage and people in the cultural still grope around for funding when an important source of fund is there.
“I do believe that Nigerian music, whether traditional or contemporary, can be a serious vehicle for economic transformation and unity if we do the right things.’’
Okoroji also said there was a need to sustain and deploy the fund effectively towards national development .
Also, a Lecturer at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua University, Kastina, Alhaji Bosoma Sheriff, said that traditional music should be harnessed to promote national unity and also create jobs.
In a remark, the chairman of the occasion, Amb. Olusegun Olusola said the colloquium was an avenue for intellectuals in the sector to proffer ways of moving the sector forward.
“The dance and singing will come go, but it is this colloquium that is the heart of the festival which is the idepth discussion about the festival.’’
The Rivers State Commissioner for Urban Development and Physical Planning, Rt Hon Evans Bipi, has eulogised Gen Gabriel Asabuja over his recent birthday celebration in Port Harcourt.
Bipi said Asabuja is worth celebrating following his numerous contributions and support to the administration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
He described Asabuja as a strong pillar of governance in Rivers State, adding that the Ministry of Urban Development and Physical Planning is happy working with him.
He noted that Asabuja’s position as a team leader of the Ministry’s taskforce has been amazing, saying the Ministry is proud associating with him.
The former lawmaker hinted that since Asabuja assumed office as leader of the taskforce, the Ministry has witnessed tremendous improvement.
Bipi said the Ministry will always stand by him to ensure that the dreams of the Governor Fubara-led government are achieved.
On his part, the celebrant, Gen Gabriel Asabuja expressed gratitude to God and the Commissioner for the honour done him.
Gen Asabuja also commended Governor Fubara for his tremendous and good leadership in the State, saying his group will continue to give the Governor maximum support in order to achieve more for Rivers people.
Gen Asabuja described Rt Hon Evans Bipi as one of the best brains working with the Governor, saying under Bipi, the Ministry of Urban Development and Physical Planning has shown capacity to leverage on the Governor’s mantra of Rivers First.
He said both the personnel of the Ministry, the Directors and adhoc staff are happy with his style of leadership.
The Joint Provincial Council, East of the Niger, Anglican Communion, held its 2025 Annual General Meeting at St. Michael’s Church, Rumuomasi Deanery, Diocese of Evo from Saturday 15th — Sunday 16th February, 2025.
The meeting which had the theme, “Kept By His Mercies”, with text from Lamentations 3:22-23, had the Archbishops, Bishops, their wives, Chancellors, Financial Secretaries and Synod Clerical Secretaries of the 58 Dioceses as delegates.
At the opening ceremony on Saturday, the Dean of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) and Chairman of the Council, Most Rev Blessing Enyindah, charged delegates to stay focused and committed to the matters for discussion and implement decisions reached for the growth of the Church in the region and the advancement of the business of God’s Kingdom.
Most Rev Enyindah, who is also the Archbishop of the Niger Delta Province and Bishop of the Diocese of Ikwerre, lauded the Diocese of Evo for the giant strides recorded in just 15 years of existence while tasking the leadership not to rest on its oars but to strive further to complete the work of the Kingdom in their hands.
Addressing the council in his welcome address, the Bishop of the Diocese of Evo and host of the Joint Council, The Rt Rev Innocent Ordu, welcomed the delegates, and reminded them that the theme is apt and fit as it reminds the Church of God’s inexplicable and instructible mercy towards mankind, which supersedes His righteous judgements.
Bishop Ordu further lamented the many challenges bedeviling the country, such as skyrocketing cost of living, ravaging sicknesses and ailments, proliferation of harmful drugs, natural disasters, high level corruption in public offices, inept political leadership, amongst others, which he said could not consume mankind because of God’s mercies.
In their separate speeches, delegates saluted the Diocese of Evo for willingly accepting to host the council and the comfort they enjoyed during their stay.
Earlier, the council appointed the Synod’s Clerical Secretary of the Diocese of Evo, Rev (Canon) (Dr) Ebenezer Owhor as the Assistant Secretary of the Joint Council.
Also, before the commencement of plenary, the women of St. Michael’s Church, Rumuomasi Deanery thrilled delegates to good traditional tunes and dance steps while His Royal Highness Eze( Sir) Raymond Chinda led the chiefs and elders of Rumuomasi community in Oropotoma Kingdom, to appreciate the council for choosing the community to host the meeting.
They solicited for prayers of peace, unity and development from the council.
The meeting ended on Sunday evening while the Archbishops and Bishops worshipped in various churches in the Diocese of Evo.