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Odual Women’s Peace Mission

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A group picture of the women’s wing of Odual Peoples Assembly during the campaign

A group picture of the women’s wing of Odual Peoples Assembly during the campaign

These are not the best of
times for communities across Rivers State and other parts of Nigeria, following the tensions that have continued to build up as a result of the forthcoming general elections.
Indeed, there are palpable fears across the land that the elections may likely generate violence.
Consequently, many communities social groups and even the traditional institutions across the country are now mounting series of peace campaigns in their respective communities and kingdoms.
One of such groups is the women wing of the Odual People Assembly (OPA) which is not left out in the campaign to ensure peace in Odual Communities in the Abua/Odual Local Government Area.
The president of the women’s wing of the Odual Peoples Assembly, Mrs. Jessey Edeh told The Tide that the women who are all based in Port Harcourt decided that it would be better to go home and tell the youths of the dangers involved in electoral violence.
Edeh said that Odual Kingdom which is made up of nine communities is too small to lose any of its youths in election this time around as successive government  in which the people have worked for have not cared to develop the area.
“We felt that as mothers, there is no point sitting in Port Harcourt, so we decided to carry the campaign to the youths in the communities”, she said.
The campaign train which took of from Port Harcourt , the state capital, moved round the whole of the nine communities of Odual Kingdom in the Abua/Odual Local Government Area.
The first port of call was Odau, then Obedum Emiriopoko and Anya.
The campaign train also moved to Ekunuga Okolomade Emelogo, Adada and Ogboloma communities.
In each of the communities a drama sketch highlighting the dangers of electoral violence and youth restiveness was showcased.
The OPA women boss alerted the large gathering of the people in each of the communities of the dangers of electoral violence.
Explaining that the Association is apolitical and only interested in the welfare of Odual youths, Edeh warned against selling of their permanent voters cards (PVC) as doing that will amount to mortgaging their destiny  and  the future of their generations.
“We have been marginalized for too long and we are too small to lose my of you”, she pleaded.
She assured that the group will partner with Community Development Committees (CDCs) traditional rulers and chiefs and opinion leaders to pass the message to the youths.
“We have to tell our people to make wise decisions by voting for people that can charge our conditions”, she said.
Also speaking Mrs. Edna Abigo maintained that the mission of the women is for peace in Odual Kingdom “we don’t want any of you to lose your life Odual is too smale to lose you there must be peace during and after the elections”, on his port, the Oolema Odual HRM King Temple Jamalla said that no Odual youth must be used as a sacrificial lamb to advance the interest of any politician.
The monarch who gave the warming when the campaign train visited his palace at Emelego the headquarters  of Odual Kingdom described peace as the only anti dot for development in Odual Kingdom.
“Peace and development are intertwined my appeal is that there should be peace and development in Odual”, Jamala advised.
He described the mission of the women as very crucial to the peace and development of Odual Kingdom, adding that his palace would give them full support.
“You are in the right path this Kingdom is proud of you and would be ready to support you to achieve peace in Odual Kingdom.
“I urged you to continue with the path you have chosen to bring peace to Odual”, he said.
For Chief Deacon Tom Omeri Abigo, no bloodshed will be recorded in Odual during the election.
Abigo a former permanent secretary, governor’s office, Port Harcourt, spoke when the women visited Ekunuga his home town.
The senior citizen who is also the head chief of Ekunuga, said the Kingdom is too small to contain any act of violence and restiveness.
He said that for leaving the comfort of Port Harcourt to the communities for campaign, the women have indeed shown that they are the mothers of Odual.
Similarly, former member of the House of Representatives, Barrister Friday Abigo descried the campaign as first of its find in Odual Kingdom.
Abigo said that the issue of peace in Odual was a subject of discussion at the meeting of Odual council of chiefs and a directive has been issued to all town criers in the kingdom to tell the people to work for peace during the elections.
The Oolema of Okolomade, Chief Mondibo James said that the mission of the women would surely bring good things to Odual Kingdom, stressing that the same issue of peace was also disclosed during a meeting with the Divisional Police Office (DPO) incharged of Abua/Odual Division.
The Okolomade Monarch said that, he is happy that the women are on the same mission of peace, adding that indigenes of Okolomde have already been instructed to conduct themselves in  a peaceful manner during and after the elections.
The same message of support for peace during he elections was echoed by chairmen of the respective Community Development Committee (COC).
The chairman, community development committee of Odau, Mr. Sokari Ikechekwu led the pack of other CDC chairmen in the area to pledge their support for the peace campaign and the assurance to take the message to their people in their respective homes.
The other CDC chairmen include that of Obedum, Mr. Enoch Itoyo, his counterpart at Emirikpoko Stephen Amos and that of Anyu, Chief Godwin Gabriel.
The rest are the CDC chairman of Ekunuga, Mr. Anthony Isaiah Abigo, that of Okolomade Selemi I. Elogho, Emelego Mr. Heart Udidia; and that of Adada community.
They all pledged their support to the peace campaign.
However  in the eyes of the public, the mission of the women was a worthwhile venture but its effect will be put to test during and after the elections

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Nigeria Deserves Stylish, Sophisticated Designs-Igiebor Daddy Lucky

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IVY-K Fashion by Igiebor Daddy Lucky, a Nigerian-born designer now based in the UK, has launched the latest menswear line, Dapper Man.
One of the collection’s strengths is its classic, clean aesthetic. Dapper Man delivers sharp, structured suits in a timeless black and white color scheme that exudes a sense of luxury and professionalism. The use of high-quality fabrics like wool and silk ensures that the suits not only look high-end but also feel luxurious to the wearer. The designer’s focus on detail is evident in the meticulous tailoring, with fitted blazers and crisp trousers forming the foundation of the collection.
Where IVY-K Fashion shines is in the subtle yet elegant touches. The inclusion of beads as embellishments on lapels and cuffs adds a unique flair, blending traditional craft with modern tailoring. This nod to African heritage gives the collection a distinct identity, offering something more personal and culturally significant than your standard menswear line.
However, despite the elegance of the Dapper Man collection, there is a lingering sense of missed opportunity. The black-and-white color palette, while classic, feels overly safe. In a fashion landscape where bold colors and daring patterns often make the strongest impact, the collection could benefit from incorporating more vibrant hues or experimenting with unconventional fabrics. Pushing the envelope with color or texture could elevate these designs from simply elegant to truly memorable.
In addition, while the tailoring of the blazers and trousers is immaculate, the collection lacks a sense of playfulness or modern edge that many contemporary menswear lines are embracing. The suits are undoubtedly stylish, but the collection as a whole leans heavily on tradition. Experimenting with asymmetrical cuts, bold patterns, or even layering could add an exciting dimension to Dapper Man. The challenge is to maintain the sleek sophistication of the collection while infusing it with a fresh, innovative spirit.
Another area that could use improvement is the overall cohesion of the collection. While the suits are well-crafted, there is a feeling of repetition across the pieces. More variation in design, such as different lapel styles, pocket configurations, or even bolder accessories, would give the collection greater diversity and visual interest.
In conclusion, Dapper Man by Igiebor Daddy Lucky showcases the designer’s strong grasp of classic tailoring and elegant design, but to truly capture the attention of a broader audience, IVY-K Fashion would benefit from more daring choices. By infusing the collection with bold colors, unexpected textures, and a more modern edge, Dapper Man could move from a well-crafted line to a trendsetting force in men’s fashion. With such a solid foundation, there’s no doubt that Igiebor Daddy Lucky has the potential to lead his brand toward greater heights

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Women Can Curb Indecent Dressing

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The trend of indecent dressing all in the name of fashion is fast becoming a norm in our generation and society at large. Most married women embrace this fashion as competition with single ladies.
Different scholars have given an in depth insight about dressing as a tool of communication.  Non-verbal communication has been asserted  as the communication between people by the means of signs or symbols.  It conveys what we wish to disseminate to the public as either intentionally or not.
According to Paul Ekman and Michael Argyle, communication is carried out through what has been classified as “Presentational Code”.  He listed nine codes of non-verbal communication, as body contact, facial expression, gestures, postures, eye movement, proximity, orientation, head nods and appearance.
This, being stated, married and single ladies should understand that their mode of dressing is communicative be it directly or indirectly as such body parts we call “private” are now being made public because of the trends or wearing of transparent dresses and this in turn calls on the attention of men who are weak and prone to illicit thoughts thus, resulting to most rape cases in our society.
This indecent dressing by most ladies has denied many their future husbands.  The truth is that a man is attracted to his kind; his desires in marriage.  It is often asserted that decency and beauty are in the eyes of the beholder, yet,  in trending times of this 21st century, dress code  and fashion in nudity form is gaining popularity.
This has become complicated as most men tend to toggle between their emotions (lust) and sanity (rationality) in terms of marriage, thereby setting a wrong foundation upon which most marriages are consummated.
On the other hand, most married women have embraced the trend of indecent dressing nipping it on the state of it being the choice dressing, approved by their spouses, leaving society with the question of what “responsible” man would prefer that the secrecy of the benefit of his marital vow has become the centre of attraction and viewership by the general public.
Hence, communicating with their dressing gas given licence to every male gender who is interested or attracted to what they see to make unsolicited sexual passes at them, which might be considered embarrassing.
At this juncture, it is important to state that ladies should  dress decently knowing that they are the epitome of nation-building, they are nation-builders, character moulders and pacesetters not just in the lives of their families but to the society at large.
In most occasions, there are no clear border lines between the married women and the single ladies because of the rate of scanty dressing which has close the gap of differences.
Women and girls should embrace this call awakening to decent mode of dressing.  Dresses that are meant to be worn indoors should remain indoors.
It is worrisome to see ladies wear shorts that are supposed to be worn in the living room on the streets without shame.  This is an awakening call to our ladies, married and singles that the opposite sex do not expose their private body parts for the public.  Sometimes, the ladies go about in the streets without wearing brazziers as to showcase their nipples.
The society should be sanitised of the menace  of indecent dressing that is lurking and taking over the entire nooks and crannies of the society and the nation at large.
Let it be known that he or she is addressed in the manner he or she is dressed.  There may be no room for a second impression.  To the single ladies,  your dressing decently will not stop you from meeting your Mr Right rather,  it will increase your stake and place you on the list of most valued women in the society.
Dressing speaks louder than words.

Kate Chisom Isiocha
Isiocha is an OND final year student of Temple Gate Polytechnic.

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NWAPDI Launches Home Farming Scheme For Women In Okrika

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A non-governmental group,  Nigerian Women for Agricultural Progressive Development Initiative (NWAPDI), has taken it’s sensitization programme on home grown farming to women in Okrika Local Government Area.
The body which started in April, 2024 in Rivers State is boasting of huge grassroot followership and is planning a green revolution.
The Rivers State Coordinator, Barrister Ngozi Ajayi, who disclosed this in Okrika, last Thursday, said the programme would change the fortunes of women farmers and their families.
Ajayi was joined by  local government coordinators from Etche, Okrika, Emohua, and Omuma, at Ibaka Town, Okrika, to inaugurate 12-member Ward Coordinators of NWAPDI in the area.
Ajayi stated that since July, when the local government coordinators of NWAPDI were inaugurated, the body which aims to boost food sufficiency and arm women with skills in agro-production, had grown in followership, especially among the women folk.
She commended women in Okrika for the interest they had shown in the scheme, adding that she was impressed with the huge turnout and participation.
Shortly after inaugurating the 12 Ward Coordinators, Ajayi charged the women to exploit the opportunities provided by NWAPDI.
She reiterated that the body had come to stay as a way of  improving the wellbeing of women who, most times, were providers in their families.
“We want all of you to go back to your families and tell your people that whatever space you have, utilize it for subsistence farming.
“As you can see, the body is made up of lawyers, lecturers, teachers, and women in different sectors. The essence is to call attention on the need for women to collaborate together so their voices will be heard.
“Women are the major backbone in the agric sector, and if their efforts are harnessed to impact on the nation’s food production, their impact can go far,”she said.
With NWAPDI on board, she expressed optimism that the plight of women farmers would be reduced, such that all government and international support would get to the grassroots.
Also speaking, NWAPDI Coordinator in Okrika Local Government  Area, Prof. Nene Jamabo, a professor of Aqua Culture at the University of Port Harcourt, had  expressed delight over the interest shown by women in the LGA, saying with cluster farming, women would be empowered more than before.
“What we intend to do is Cluster Farming, and it’s  a whole lot of value chain. We want every woman to put food on their table.
“In Okrika we have observed that most of the women are into crafts, so we will combine cluster with integrated farming- to create a chain; some will be farming, some will be processing and others will be into marketing”, she said.
In her speech, the Chairperson, Caretaker Committee of Okrika Local Government Council, Mrs Gold Okujagu, who was represented by the Secretary of the Council, expressed satisfaction with the initiative.
She described NWAPDI as timely and very crucial to the current economic challenges in the country.
She explained that in an era of processed foods, the initiative would encourage women to grow organic foods.
She urged every woman to engage in subsistence farming at any level to reduce hazardous things that were being consumed as food.
Speaking after the inauguration, the Ward 2 Coordinator, Mrs Ibiere Williams, expressed gratitude to the Rivers State and Okrika Local Government Coordinators for organizing the programme.
Mrs Williams, who is of Ngeme-Biri, a civil servant, observed that many women from different parts of Okrika attended the programme, which indicated the readiness on their part to end food scarcity in the area.
“We saw many women from different parts of Okrika. That means we are ready to farm and see what we can gain. We appreciate the organisers, and they really encouraged us. We learned that there are so many ways for planting since we do not have much land in Okrika. Our women were happy.
“We are given these items free to plant in broken buckets, nylon and bags due to scarcity of land in the area. We were taught that sand mixed with fresh fish intestine can serve as manure. This was very educative. If we practice what we were taught, in the next one year, there will be food sufficiency in Okrika”, she said.
In her comments, a member of NWAPDI, Mrs Felicia Barasin, a business woman from Bulome-Biri stated that the programme was good and timely as many families were finding it difficult to feed because of the harsh economy.
Highlight of the occasion was the administration of oaths to the Ward Coordinators of the local government area by the Legal Officer, Ibiwari Maureen Waribo.
Also, the award of certificates and recognition of executive members of NWAPDI Okrika LGA by the State Coordinator. The EXCO include Vice Coordinator, Dr. Ibinabo Ogolo; Secretary, Ms. Constance Kalio; Treasurer, Mrs. Sime Loveday; and Public Relations Officer, Mrs Roseline Orupabo.
Cassava stems, okro, and vegetable seeds were shared amongst the women after the training section.
Over 500 women from Okrika Local Government Area attended the programme.
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