Entertainment
Ogba Kingdom In Festive Mood …As Umu Akoku Proclaims Yam Festival
The Egi Kingdom and by
extension the entire Ogbaland in the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State is now in a festive mood following the proclamation of the 2015 Egwu Ogba Festival.
In line with the tradition of the people, the proclamation was performed by a member of Umu Akoku family Aburu community Erema, Elder Felix Obulor.
The festival was fixed for 17th August 2015, prior to the proclamation, Elder Felix Obulor told The Tide that the festival is as old as Egi and the entire ogbaland.
He said that the festival was introduced by ancient people to celebrate the harvest of new yams in the entire ogbaland.
Elder Obulor said that the Umu Akoku family was charged with the responsibility of proclaiming the festival being the most senior family in Egiland, adding that at the ceremony, the family will be feeding the entire Egi communities.
He described as exorbitant the cost of hosting the ceremony, stressing that for last year, over five hundred thousand naira was spent by the family to host the proclamation ceremony, while for this year, the amount was however reduced. Elder Obulor commended the management of Total Nigeria Limited for its support so far, but urged the company to increase its financial support from the current amount of one hundred thousand naira to something substantial.
Speaking during the proclamation ceremony, Elder Obulor decried the rising level of youth restiveness in Egiland and stressed the need for the people to use the Egwu Ogba as an opportunity to reflect on their history as one people with a common destiny.
According to him, the Egwu Ogba should be used as a tool for reconciliation across the various segments of Egiland, while those aggrieved should cultivate the spirit of forgiveness.
Also speaking, the chairman of Egi Council of Chiefs High Chief S.O. Orikoha who highlighted the history of the migration of Ogba and Ekpeye people from the ancient Benin Kingdom said that the Egi people should see themselves as one people.
He warned those perpetrating violence in Egiland to have a rethink as their ancestors will not forgive them.
The ceremony which took place at the Ereme Town Square was attended by traditional rulers and titled citizens of Egiland.
Prominent among the traditional rulers are the Eze Egi Etiti, HRH, Eze London Nwaobiyebe, Eze Ahiahu, HRH, Ikeagu Akoku, High Chief S.O Orikoha, Chairman Egi Council of Chiefs, High Chief M.A. Ebidi, Eze Ahia Orie, Chief S.O. Jacob Secretary, Council of Chiefs, amongst others.
Also present were members of the Amala cultural group, the Umu Akoku women group and the Egi council of juju priests amongst others. A minute silence was observed in honour of the departed Eze Egi, HRM, Eze Kingdom Elenwa.
Popular businessman and socialite, Pascal Okechukwu, aka Cubana Chief Priest, has said that his relationship with singer Davido is beyond money and gossip.
He stated this in a recent interview with BBC Igbo.
“Davido is my friend. He is my in-law; he married Chioma who is from Imo State where I hail from.
“So the relationship I have with Davido is beyond money and gossip,” he said.
DAILY POST reports that Chief Priest disclosed via his Instagram page that his outfit for the wedding of the singer, Davido and his wife, Chioma, in Lagos on Tuesday cost seven million Naira.
The socialite recently appreciated Davido for not “discarding” Chioma.
He stated that the DMW boss has made Imo State proud by choosing to marry from the state.
Nigerian singer Simisola Kosoko, popularly known as Simi, has lent her voice to the ongoing anti-tax hike protests in Kenya.
The Tide’s source reports that Kenyan youths are marching against tax hike in widespread demonstrations tagged ‘RejectFinanceBill2024.’
Five people were shot dead and dozens wounded after police clashed with protesters who stormed the parliament building in Nairobi on Tuesday, according to Amnesty Kenya.
Reacting via her X handle on Tuesday night, Simi declared her support for the demonstrators.
She stated that “it is both powerful and heartbreaking for a people to have to fight and die for freedoms and rights.”
The singer wrote, “I stand with the people of Kenya. It is both powerful and heartbreaking for a people to have to fight and die for freedoms and rights. Godspeed and Strength. [Hash tag] RejectFinanceBill2024.”
In a series of other posts, she wrote: “Wow. When you’ve had enough, the fight is almost inevitable.
“African leaders- have not you done enough?
“I can’t wait for the day Africa is not a weapon fashioned against Africans. All of this amazing Black power and human resource, but the majority are not likely to thrive unless they run.”
Famous Nigerian Afrobeat singer, Davido was spotted among other top artistes at Asake’s ‘Lungu Boy’ tour concert in Atlanta, Georgia.
Asake’s performance at his sold-out show at the 17,000-capacity State Farm Arena in Atlanta began on August 16, 2024, and is set to run for 10 days.
In a trending video on social media, Davido appeared backstage with American rapper Quavo to support Asake during the live performance.
Other musicians in attendance included Nigerian hitmaker Zlatan and American rapper Russ Millions.
The Tide’s source reports that Asake’s ‘Lungu Boy’ tour is set to cover six U.S. cities, where he will headline notable venues including Madison Square Garden in New York, the Toyota Center in Houston, and the State Farm Arena in Atlanta.
Asake’s tour comes just days after the release of his latest hit, ‘Lungu Boy,’ which features several superstars, including Wizkid, British rappers Central Cee and Stormzy, Travis Scott and Brazilian singer Ludmilla.
‘Lungu Boy’ set a new record for the biggest opening week on Spotify Nigeria, garnering 18.9 million streams in its opening week and breaking the previous record of 14.4 million streams held by Davido’s ‘Timeless.’