Features
‘Goodluck, A Divine Choice’ …A Review Of Aunty Sarah Dikibo’s 9-Tracker
When on Thursday, May 6, 2010, then Acting President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan was inaugurated as substantive President and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, many well-meaning Nigerians were jubilant, hopeful and grateful. So overwhelming was the nature of celebrations that, for once in our history, the people perceived the inevitable emergence of a new Nigeria, where everyone, whether from Kuru, Ileja, Ngwa or Otueke would have a sense of belonging, self pride and true sense of integration.
The national funfair was indeed powered by the failure of intrigues and political manipulations by a few over ambitious politicians who shamelessly politicised the protracted ill-health of a Goodman, a team leader and Nigeria’s President, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua to truncate a constitutional transition. Though Nigerians mourned, and rightly so, the passage May 5, 2010 of such rare humanist, they found in the emergence of his vice and tag-team partner a fresh opportunity to sustain the glowing legacy.
On that day, so overwhelmed, facilitator of the Red Rose Oasis of love foundation, Aunty Sarah Ngowari Dikibo, whose third album we are today gathered to celebrate, sent out the following SMS message to friends and followers: Breaking News. The Maker has done it again. Dr. Goodluck Jonathan has been sworn-in as President of Nigeria, with an Okrika Lady as First Lady. What is beyond the Most High! This, indeed, is history, made by the Hand of God. Am happy to see this day that ,confirms, Patience truly pays. Congratulations Niger Delta: Congratulations, Nigeria.
Aunty Sarah Dikibo’s joy was most understandable. In her last and second prophetic album, “A Canaan Mu-abe” (I am Enroute Canaan), the singer had predicted the breaking of chains that bound the Niger Delta in order to set the stage for a glorious political dawn. That was at a time when, Late Yar’ Adua was hail and hearty and no glaring suggestion that Dr. Jonathan would ever be President.
In that work, the singer had chronicled the pains, pranks and political strangulation of the Niger Delta which only rewards for being the hub of the hydro-carbon industry upon which Nigeria’s economic survival rests, were deprivation, avoidable deaths of men, women, children and productive youths, economic stagnation, environmental pollution, denial of political space and indeed outright marginalisation.
But, what years of political protest, informed protest, informed intellectual agitations and youth militancy could not achieve was in her view, made possible by a simple, but most marvelous divine fiat that eventually exalted the meek and lowly, defensless and weak, but productive and endowed, into relevance.
That divine intervention, the need to appreciate the Most High for His Eternal Love and Care, the challenge of making real meaning out of the same and building in all hearts fresh hope, a fresh dawn and thus a fresh beginning grounded in the constant realisation of God’s ever present Guarding Hand in the affairs of men, form the nucleus of Aunty Sarah Dikibo’s new album, “The Time Has Come ..• Goodluck Jonathan Is Divine Choice” – a prophecy fulfilled ..
It is above all else, a cursory rehash of the Niger Delta’s sad past, the divine intervention of the present and what hope that holds for a country that for years, took for granted that might is always right, majority alone can be right, and minority must at all times be minors in every national discourse for integration.
All songs are in both English and the Singer’s native tongue – Okrika and quite understandably, celebrates one of her own, Nigeria’s First Lady, Her Excellency, Dr. Patience Ibifaka Jonathan. In track after track, the singer’s sonorous voice of praise and divination runs through like fire and is complemented by scintillating trado-funk instrumentation. It is amply boosted by native water pot music and laced with a soul-moving trumpet at its best. Most tracks offer touching ministration underlining her rare spiritual calling and Christian background.
This 9-traker is, without doubt, a soothing departure from her mournful debut album ‘Afike’ (She’s not Dead), a soulful dirge in memory of her late mother and a near-perfect continuum to her second album – ‘A Canaan Mu-abe’; ‘Am enroute Canaan’. In the singer’s view, the political space today granted the once neglected Niger Delta, through the divine emergence of Dr. Goodluck Jonathan as President, epitomizes a prophetic triumphant entry into a political Canaan, only if one and all make their votes count behind the Jonathan candidacy.
“What can we (Niger Deltans) render unto the Lord for all His blessing towards us!” In our Neglected State we had nothing to offer except our own dehumanisation, neglect and deprivation which for years reduced us to helpless slaves. Is that really why we could no longer burst forth in joy? If not so, doesn’t the mysterious intervention that has positioned a minority of the minorities to pilot the affairs of governance, in the polity of our nation call for a Niger Delta Thanksgiving Day, in gratitude to His Great Omniscience? For the singer, it is that victory, standing in same consciousness, with joyful hearts and in gratitude to the Most High, and even more importantly overwhelmed by His Omnipotence and Omniscience, that the group offers its sounds of praise; as it sings the first track:
1. “Alpha and Omega, Creator Art Thou”
Truly, the Lord our God is Alpha and Omega who commands into being and makes impossibilities possible. Overwhelmed by the magnitude of the manifestation of His command in Nigeria, the ensemble trembles with awe and offers to exhalts Him in praise and worship. That same incomprehensibility of His ways informed the following track.
2. “Che Iba Boro Somi Deki?”
(What kind of pillar suspends the sky). The third (3) track calls on all to join in worship and glorify the Most high for His Marvelous work in Nigeria.
3. “Obalafamaye Miesa-e Ibuso 0 boma”
(He has done a marvelous thing join me and glorify him). Many might wonder what miracle that might be but the deliberate suspense created in the 3rd track is broken as the 4th track offers answers with a brief background to the Niger Delta struggle.
4. “In the History of Great Nigeria the Ijaw man was relegated”.
This track celebrates the region’s i1lustrous son and brother, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Azikiwe Jonathan, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, whose current office as the number one citizen of Nigeria, in the views of the Victorious Trumpeters is History made by the hand of God. For that even Abuja joined in thanksgiving but while celebrating there, the Nigerians heard bomb blasts at Eagle Square, and later reports of container load of arms imported into the country. The Victorious Trumpeters therefore, wondered what could have led to such dangerous jokes in a community that should savour the sweet brotherhood of a new Nigeria. Who could they be after, could the choice of little David from the little town of Bethlehem, to occupy the seat of government be so intimidating to Saul that he is trying to throw Javelins at him again?
Come what may, the group sings in prayers for the protection of Mr. President in the Fifth (5th) track.
5. “Somi Temese Kiri-temebo Da Ogbein ye”
(Creator of Heaven and Earth, Father protect Him). Having handed over the life of Mr. President and his family into the protective wings of the Almighty, the group continues to celebrate the goodness of the Lord in their lives in the following song.
6. “Niger Delta O-wa boma me”
(Niger Delta, We are Blessed). While in this celebration the group realises that the time is indeed ripe for the proper election of Dr. Goodluck Jonathan. But why? Within a brief period, some national maladies that seemed intractable were’ addressed. For instance, within a very brief stay Jonathan announced plans for a $3.5 billion national electricity grid, vigorously pursed women integration in governance through the appointment of two female opposition politicians from the North into his first cabinet on August 11, 2010, and on August 26, 2010, unveiled a multi-billion dollar strategy to end chronic power shortages. For once, the Igbos feel a sense of fulfillment with the appointment of their own to head the Army, vigorous education and health sector reforms and above all else defending the unity, corporate survival and hope for the future Nigeria of our dreams. Today, the long queues at filing stations are gone. Nigeria’s Aviation industry has earned Grade ‘A’ rating while, for once, there are strong signals that every vote will count. Little wonder, Nigerians are most expectant. For these and many other giant strides, the band attempts to rally votes for Jonathan convinced that his present incumbency was undoubtedly ordained, as they key in to the celestial clarion call in the title track.
7. “The time has come … Goodluck Jonathan is Divine Choice”.
This is the title track. “Already, we can hear all Nigerians say it must be Goodluck. Infact, no fewer than 40 political parties have already declared him there consensus candidate. This, to the group, is another history in the making and confirms public approval of his stay in power and to superintend the reigns of government: therefore, they amplify the views of the people that Dr. Jonathan be returned because he’s the people’s choice and do sing.
8. “We believe in you, lead us”
We believe in the current team of Dr. Goodluck Jonathan and Architect Namadi Sambo. We believe in the motherly role of our beloved mother, Dame Dr. Patience Ibifaka Jonathan, a rare gem, motivator, a source of inspiration to many and importantly, a worthy daughter of Okrika. With these qualities, the group believes the fire of the Lord must have spoken to Dr. Jonathan to break the prison gates and set the captives free.
9. “Sofini Ani-okwein”
(Heavenly fire, it speaks). This is the ninth track. God’s Command to Jonathan is however unlike that to Moses who had to stand before a Pharaoh to demand the release of his kinsmen in bondage but more like David’s who is challenged by the sufferings of the region and indeed Nigeria and is set to tinker ways of building a new Nigeria where all will be proud of. So, Jonathan the group prays, should remember such deprivations and evolve a viable strategy to provide a new Jerusalem in their steads.
It is the singer’s belief that Jonathan’s election into office in April 2011, will wipe away Nigerians’ tears, wash off the blood of Niger Delta fallen heroes, spilled in our land, and give our children and generations unborn fresh hope, through positive changes they can see and feel.
Soye Jamabo
From the fore going, the fight against drug trafficking should be treated as an international challenge with open collaboration, if the world leadership must win the fight!.
The circumstances or should I say the improvement on drug related activities are modifying and updating on daily basis. A close friend of mine in the United States of America who recently visited Jamaica, came with a lot of complicated information about drug trafficking and transaction. Being a qualified Nurse in US and on a visit to the Reggae Country (Jamaica), she said she was put aback when a man approached her and introduced himself as a Pharmacist. According to her, she immediately picked interest due to her professional background. To her, a business partner is birthed. But she was shocked to the narrows on learning that drug dealers or traffickers and subriquited Pharmacist in that Country. From her account, they ( The Jamaican Pharmacists), are the first set to people to meet and greet you at the Airport. No government or authority challenges them in the open due to the sophisticated nature of their transportation
Come to think of it, who would want to attack a Pharmacist on duty? Nigerians are not left out in the improvement on drug deal. A chat with a confident in the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency ( NDLEA) Rivers State Command, so revealed. The Officer draw my attention to the movement of Dispatch Riders. He said part of the reasons they ride with almost speed equivalent of the thunder lightning, is to meet up with the appointment of delivering hard drug consignment to a client of theirs. According to him, those guys popularly referred to as Yahoo Boys are the ones who now payroll dispatch riders so that they can deliver their consignment ( hard drugs) on schedule no matter the sort of traffic or weather condition. The fear of loosing rich clients and that of the unknown treatment that may come of the Boys, as the officer puts it, drives the Riders crazy thus the reason to speed even at the expense of their lives.
The account of a prominent Party Promoter, Wayne Anthony, as obtained online recently, also pointed out that ‘No Legislation Will Stop Clubbers From Doing Drugs’ Party promoter, Wayne Anthony, arrived in Ibiza, a Spanish Island in 1988, at the same time as dance music and the party drug ecstasy. Despite hallucinating badly enough to make him give up the lifestyle forever, he says laws will never stop clubbers taking drugs. “I don’t think you can control these things,” said former party promoter Wayne Anthony. He arrived in Ibiza in 1988 and began setting up club nights and raves in some of the island’s most iconic venues. In the years that followed, the sleepy Spanish island turned into a raver’s haven of clubbing and hedonism, with party drugs like ecstasy commonly found. “What Ibiza represented was this beautiful, hot island which was visually stunning and we knew you could party there quite legally,” said Wayne. “You didn’t have to look over your shoulder. You could just be as free as you possibly could be.”
That freedom came with a price. Along with the lavish clubs, all-day-benders and hot Spanish sun came drug cartels and crime. The city transformed into one the world’s most vibrant party capitals, “fuelled by a dangerous and lucrative drugs trade which drew as many criminals to its shores as it did party animals”. Wayne, one of the contributors to the documentary, spoke to Sky News ahead of its release.”I’m not going to sit here and say the cartels aren’t there. They are all there and they’ve been there from the ’90s,” said Wayne. But he said most people tried to ignore the organised crime going on around them. According to Wayne, clubbers usually took the approach of: “‘Give me 10 E’s . Behind the scenes of the filming of Ibiza Narcos with Wayne Anthony. Behind the scenes of the filming of Ibiza Narcos with Wayne Anthony. Hallucinating giant spiders Although he described the Balearic island as the “motherland”, it was eventually a bad experience with drugs that convinced Wayne it was time to leave Ibiza.
He’d been partying for days when he realised he’d taken too many drugs. A friend told him to drink cough medicine, dangerous advice that he now says could have killed him. “I saw the worst hallucination I’ve ever seen in all of my life. I ended up locking myself in the villa with all the shutters down. When he sobered up, he realised he had “come to the end” of his party life on the island. “I never looked back. I never took another drug. I got away from the club world.” ‘I don’t think you’re going to be able to stop it’ Despite his life-changing experience, he doesn’t think criminalising drugs is a good idea – or particularly effective. “If you’re old enough to vote for who’s going to be a world leader, if you’re old enough to put your name down on debt for 25 years, I feel like you should be old enough to govern what you put inside your own body, you know?” said Wayne.
Back to Nigeria, some illicit drugs worth over N30billion seized at Onne Port in Rivers State.
This blood chilling development forced the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency at the Onne Port, following what authorities described as repeated incidents of importation of dangerous cargo, including arms and ammunition through the said port. To this effect, the government said it was immediately implementing emergency protocols at Onne Port for the next three months by conducting thorough examinations of all suspected containers in the premises.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, in charge of the port via a press conference, said it henceforth, unveiled the seizures of illicit goods by the Nigeria Customs Service, Area 2 Command, Onne in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State. In defence for his action, Adeniyi said the recurring incidents posed a threat to national security, adding that the health of citizens at the Onne Port is increasingly being used as a destination for dangerous and illicit cargo, describing it as a disturbing trend.
The customs boss stated, “Earlier today, I joined numerous stakeholders to take a significant step towards the cause of trade facilitation through the inauguration of upgraded facilities provided by the West Africa Container Terminal, Onne. “As I express delight that trade facilitation is getting traction in Onne Port, I cannot help but call your attention to a grave concern. This has to do with the repeated incidents of national security breaches unfolding in Onne Port. I appreciate your presence, as we all have a shared responsibility in safeguarding our national security. As we are all aware, the policy thrust of Mr President supports the re-energising of our business environment to drive faster import clearance and grow our capacity for exports, Our emphasis has been to promote initiatives that speak to Trade facilitation and economic development. “It is a matter of regret that criminal elements in the international supply chain are exploiting our pro-trade stance to commit atrocities bordering on national security breaches”.
“The attempts to test our will through the importation of dangerous cargo through this port has necessitated the declaration of a state of emergency in Onne Port, coming on the heels of a seizure of a huge cache of arms a couple of months ago. It is disheartening that perpetrators have not backed down on their illegal acts. Recent intelligence and seizures have revealed a disturbing trend; Onne Port is increasingly being used as a destination for dangerous and illicit cargo. The scale and nature of these illegal importations pose a significant threat to our national security and the health of our citizens. Today, we are here to showcase yet another series of significant seizures made by the diligent officers of the Area 2 Command. On display are twelve containers of illicit goods intercepted through a combination of intelligence gathering, inter-agency collaboration, and meticulous physical examination. Seizures on Display include: Three (3) x 40-feet containers: Containing 562,600 bottles of 100ml cough syrup with codeine and 3,150 pieces of chilly cutters, with a Paid Duty Value (DPV) of N4,716,573,846.
“Others are, three x 40-feet containers containing 380,000 bottles of 100ml cough syrup with codeine, 24,480,000 tablets of Royal Tramadol Hydrochloride, 5,350,000 tablets of Tapentadol and Carisoprodol, and other items, with a DPV of N17,432,506,000 were seized”.
According to the report, more seized items were, “Five (5) x 40-feet containers; Containing 892,400 bottles of 100ml cough syrup with codeine, 1,300,000 tablets of 50mg Really Extra Diclofenac, 7,250,000 tablets of 5mg Trodol Benzhexol, and other items, with a DPV of N8, 128,568,295,90. This very action of the Nigeria Customs Service, further complicated the hope of how soon the fight against drug trafficking could be brought to a halt owing to its high profile nature.
Another hair-raising report of the illicit drug deal has it that when NDLEA bursted a Snake-Guarded Shrine Used For Storing Illicit Drugs sometime ago in Edo State. This very news report was published in The Tide Newspaper on June 24, 2024. According to the report, NDLEA said its operatives uncovered a shrine, guarded by a snake, being used for storing illicit drugs, during an operation in Edo State. The Agency in a statement by its spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, added that its operatives discovered a specially constructed large hole in a wall, hidden behind wallpapers and fetish objects used for drug storage. It further noted that methamphetamine, Loud, Colorado and Arizona, all strong strains of cannabis with a total weight of 8.743kg among others, were recovered from the shrine.
To be cont’d
King Onunwor
The persistent clash between farmers and herders in Nigeria has been a longstanding issue. These conflicts, often, over resources like land and water, have led to loss of lives, destruction of property, displacement of large numbers of people, deep-seated mistrust between communities and insecurity. Herders, traditionally nomadic, move their livestock in search of grazing land and water. Farmers, on the other hand, require the same resources for their crops. This competition often leads to clashes, especially in areas where land is becoming increasingly scarce due to population growth, climate change, and environmental degradation. As these clashes intensify, there has been a growing call for sustainable solutions. Two weeks ago, President Bola Tinubu took a bold step towards tackling the issue by inaugurating the Presidential Committee on Implementation of Livestock Reforms and creating the Ministry of Livestock Development.
The committee which has the president as the chairman and the former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Jega as the deputy chairman has the mandate to address obstacles to agricultural productivity and open up new opportunities which benefit farmers, herders, processors, and distributors in the livestock-farming value chain as well as propose recommendations aimed at fostering a peaceful co-existence between herders and farmers, ensuring the security and economic well-being of Nigerians.The establishment of the Ministry of Livestock Development was part of the recommendations of the National Livestock Reforms Committee. Part of the 21 recommendations submitted to the president include: “This agenda should include the establishment and resuscitation of grazing reserves as suggested by many experts and well-meaning Nigerians and other methods of land utilisation.
“Create the Ministry of Livestock Resources in line with practice in many other West African countries. In the alternative, Federal and State Governments should expand the scope of existing Departments of Livestock Production to address the broader needs of the industry,” among others. Experts in the agricultural sector have posited that the livestock industry can create millions of jobs directly in farming, processing, and distribution, and indirectly in related sectors like feed production, veterinary services, and marketing. It provides livelihoods for rural populations, helping to reduce poverty and improve the quality of life in rural areas. It also increases the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and foreign exchange earnings through the exports of livestock and livestock products such as meat, dairy, wool and leather.
According to them, a well-funded livestock industry supports the growth of agro-processing sectors, such as meat packing, dairy processing, and leather manufacturing, adds value to raw products and creates additional economic activity as well as stimulates the development of supply chains, including logistics, packaging, and retail, contributing to broader economic growth. It enhances economic resilience by diversifying the agricultural sector and providing a buffer against crop failures or other agricultural shocks and many more. Some other agriculturists have also opined that the livestock industry in Nigeria is currently underdeveloped and that by the creation of the ministry of livestock development will open up the industry which will be a huge money spinner for Nigeria.
Reports have shown that a Livestock Ministry can play a pivotal role in mitigating conflicts between farmers and herders by implementing policies and programmes aimed at fostering coexistence and sustainable resource management. The Ministry can work towards clearly demarcating grazing routes and farming areas. This would reduce instances of trespassing and accidental crop destruction, a common flashpoint for conflict. While introducing rotational grazing systems can ensure that land is used sustainably, preventing overgrazing and land degradation, establishing water points and boreholes specifically for livestock can reduce competition for water resources. Similarly, promoting the development of pasturelands through reseeding and controlled burns can improve grazing conditions.
According to a veterinary doctor, Dr Andrew Obadiah, by providing training for herders on sustainable livestock practices and for farmers on conflict resolution, both parties can understand the importance of coexistence. He said that extension services of the ministry can offer advice on improving livestock health and productivity, reducing the need for large herds and extensive grazing. “Setting up local committees involving both farmers and herders to mediate disputes can provide a platform for dialogue and peaceful resolution. Encouraging community-based conflict early warning systems can help prevent clashes before they escalate”, he emphasised.For Mrs. Stella Ugwu, a farmer, having a ministry dedicated to the development of the livestock industry can help in diversifying income sources for both farmers and herders and in turn reduce dependence on land.
”For instance, promoting agro-pastoralism can provide farmers with livestock and herders with agricultural produce”, she explained, adding that providing incentives for adopting sustainable practices, such as subsidies for fodder production or crop insurance, can ease economic pressures. Ugwu was however of the opinion that the creation of a new ministry to handle livestock affairs was uncalled for, since the job can effectively be done by the Technical and Service Department of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and food security and its equivalent on the states level.In some countries, the establishment of a Livestock Ministry or similar bodies has shown promising results. For example, Ethiopia’s Ministry of Agriculture includes a dedicated department for livestock which has successfully implemented programmes to improve pastoral livelihoods and reduce conflicts.
In Kenya, the establishment of the National Drought Management Authority has helped manage resources better, thus reducing clashes between herders and farmers during dry seasons.The president of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Othman Ngelzarma, sees the Ministry of Livestock Development achieving the same feat for Nigeria in the near future. He told newsmen that, “MACBAN expresses its deepest appreciation to the Federal Government for creating a ministry of livestock to unlock the trillion-naira livestock economy and create qualitative and productive jobs across the value chain to improve the Nigerian economy. With this development, MACBAN believes the hope of the Nigerian pastoralists is now achieved under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
However, the Middle Belt Forum took a different view of the proposed Ministry of Livestock Development, saying it was not enough to sustainably resolve the decades-long farmers-herders crisis in the country. According to the National President of the association, Mr. Bitrus Pogu, what is needed to end the perennial farmers/herders clashes is a deliberate action by regulatory bodies and the government to stop criminal elements from carrying out deadly attacks on innocent Nigerians, mainly farmers. Hear him: “If the reason for creating the Ministry is to stop clashes, I think it is wrong because all of these attacks and killings that are happening have nothing to do with conflicts between farmers and herders. “Farmers have never connived at any given time to go and attack herders, but rather, criminals who happen to be Fulani gang up and attack farmers, kill, maim and chase them out of their ancestral homes.
“Then, the Fulani will come and occupy them. So, it is more about invasion, criminality, and terrorism. And the majority of those they hire to do these evils are not even those who have cattle. So, a deliberate action has to be taken by the government against the perpetrators, which will address the criminality.” Mr. Pogu suggested that the government should adopt ranching for productivity and enduring peace between the pastoralists and farmers in particular and the entire country in general.While the establishment of a Livestock Ministry presents a viable solution, it is not without challenges. Funding constraints, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and corruption can hamper its effectiveness. Additionally, deeply ingrained cultural practices and mistrust between farmers and herders can be difficult to overcome.
Critics argue that without a holistic approach that includes land reform, climate change adaptation, and broader economic development, a Livestock Ministry alone may not be sufficient. Therefore, it must work in tandem with other governmental and non-governmental bodies to ensure comprehensive solutions. “A dedicated Livestock Ministry, with its focus on sustainable resource management, conflict resolution, and economic incentives, offers a promising avenue to address the root causes of these clashes. However, its success depends on effective implementation, adequate funding, and the cooperation of all stakeholders involved. With the right strategies and commitment, devoid of any political or selfish interest, it can play a crucial role in fostering peace and prosperity in affected regions”, they advised.
Calista Ezeaku
