By Okon Okon
The International Christian Organisation for Sustainable Development (ICOSD), an NGO, has pledged to donate sanitary items to schools across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja.

The ICOSD President, Dr Joseph Vambe, said this at the start-up workshop on Integrated Sexual Gender Based Violence in Government Schools (I-SING) projects in Abuja.

Vambe said that the project, in collaboration with the Government of Ireland, would commence in three pilot Local Education Area (LEA) Primary schools in the FCT to promote hygiene.

The beneficiary schools are LEA Primary School Abattoir in Gwagwalada, LEA Primary School Kiyi in Kuje and LEA Primary School in Pyiakasa in Lugbe.

According to Vambe, the project is part of ICOSD’s initiative to synergies with the government to eradicate poverty, violence related activities among younger generations.

“The project is drive towards poverty eradication and we will be looking at some of the areas that results to poverty in our society.

“We noticed that sexual gender based violence is part of the reasons for poverty in the society where a girl/boy child is being defiled, bruised up with certain mentality and becomes violent in the society.

“And from there, they take into some other destructive activities like drugs abuse and all that you can think of. At that point we felt we should do something in our own way.

“And that is actually what necessitated our developing this I-SING projects especially in government schools,’’ he said.

Vambe said that the organisation was able to reach out to Government of Ireland on the project and they keyed into it which necessitated the execution of the project.

Presenting the objectives of the I-SING, Mr Wilson Ejembi, National Director Advocacy, Programmes and Partnership Lead, said the project was designed to create awareness/educates young adolescents across schools in the FCT.

“The project will create awareness on prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse, basic personal hygiene and school pace sanitation.

“To make this effective, the project team shall provide one latrines each in three pilot schools, 100 dignity kits to girls child in those schools,” he said.

Speaking also, Mrs Onwuzubike Violet, Desk Officer FCT Universal Basic Education Board (UBEB), commended ICOSD’S team, adding that education of the a girl child in particular, remained a serious issue in Nigeria.

According to her, eradicating violence in schools is something that is common to the entire society hence, the need for synergy to tackle its menace.

“We thank you for coming out strong to do this with your whole heart and I want to believe that you will follow it up to a concrete implementation and not leaving it half way.

“I know that things are not too good in our schools but for you coming out like this to help us, we are very grateful,” she said.

The UBEB desk officer also assured ICOSD’S team of the commission’s approval to execute its projects.

Contributing, Mrs Grace Adekanye, Headmistress Academy LEA Primary School Abattoir, expressed joy over the gesture by the ICOSD’S team for choosing her school out of many other schools within the area.

“When this body came and met me in my school, we were very happy to accept the offer out of many schools we have in Gwagwalada Area Councils.

“To remember our own school, we really thank you so much for the gesture,” she said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workshop had in attendance representatives of the Chairmen of Gwagwalada, Kuje and Abuja Municipal Area Councils, the community chiefs, pupils from the beneficiary schools among others.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Ismail Abdulaziz

By Amen Gajira

The Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Dr Hadiza Balarabe, has described the maiden Southern Kaduna Cultural Festival as a platform to showcase the rich cultural heritage of the people and promote cultural exchange.

Balarabe, who stated this while inaugurating the festival in Kafanchan on Thursday, added that the event also provides an opportunity for the people of Southern Kaduna to tell their story.

“The festival is a wonderful opportunity to showcase the rich cultural heritage of Southern Kaduna and promote intercultural exchange among the people of the area.

“In a world that often emphasises our differences, events such as this provide us with an invaluable opportunity to recognise and celebrate our shared humanity.

Represented by Mrs Phoebe Yayi, Commissioner and Administrator of Kafanchan Municipal Authority, Balarabe called on the people of the area to embrace the spirit of unity and respect for one another.

“Let us recognise that diversity is not a challenge but a strength; a source of enrichment that has the power to propel us towards a brighter future,” she said.

The deputy governor expressed confidence that the festival would serve as a catalyst for economic growth in the state.

“I am confident that the festival will not only provide three days of fun but will serve as a catalyst for economic growth in the state.

“The tourism potential of Southern Kaduna is vast and events like this help to showcase our endowment to the outside world,” she added.

Earlier, Mr Ishaya Akau, chairman of Southern Kaduna Leadership Council, said that the festival was a big step towards uniting the people of Southern Kaduna.

Akau explained that the purpose of the festival was to bring together the diverse communities in the area to celebrate their shared history and values.

“It is an opportunity to rediscover our roots and forge stronger bonds amongst ourselves irrespective of religion, ethnicity, and social background.

“The event is also a platform to showcase the vast opportunities Southern Kaduna has to offer.

“The festival goes beyond mere display of cultural extravaganza. It is a platform to draw the attention of investors and companies as we showcase the vast opportunities our region has to offer,” he stated.

He called on prominent sons and daughters of the area to complement government’s efforts by investing in the development of Southern Kaduna.

The Chairman, Central Planning Committee, retired Rear Admiral Ferguson Bobai, enjoined the spectators to enjoy the array of activities lined up to mark the event.

Bobai said that the three-day festival was being held to celebrate Southern Kaduna’s rich cultural heritage featuring cultural display, archery, football tournament, marathon race, fashion show, and beauty pageant.

Other activities, he said, include traditional wrestling, a musical concert as well as awards to prominent Southern Kaduna sons and daughters.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the opening ceremony was followed by a cultural display from over 20 out of the 57 ethnic nationalities in Southern Kaduna. (NAN)

Edited by Nkiru Ifeajuna/Philip Yatai

By Anita Uzoagba/Princess Alabi

Some hairstylists and fashion designers in Abuja have expressed concerns over low patronage in hair and tailoring services as the yuletide approaches.

Some of them told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in separate interviews on Sunday that patronage has been low so far, when compared to previous years.

Miss Rita Adegbite, a fashion designer in Wuse, said preparations for the festivity have witnessed a slow pace because of the economic challenges in the country.

She said: “Not many people have patronised me yet as compared to last year and I think it is because things are harder this year.

“If I was to rate the patronage in percentage, I will say by this time last year, I had 100 per cent patronage but so far today, I will say 60 per cent.”

She, however, said that she was hopeful that the coming days would bring in more customers and increased patronage.

Similarly, Mrs Madaki Joyce, a hairstylist in Wuse, said many families have had difficulties feeding their families, this had also affect businesses like ours.

“In 2022 before this time, there was already an overflow of customers in my shop as at the third week of December.

“Things are very bad these days to the extent that some people will come to make their hair and plead to pay less for the service later,” she said.

She attributed the low patronage to the hard realities in the country, while also praying for a better tomorrow.

“By God’s grace, people are still coming to make their hairs though the pace is slow but I am hopeful that it will get better.

“In spite of this, I have produced enough wigs for people who preferred wigs, with the hope that people may still come to buy.

“I am still hopeful for a change, she said.

Another vendor, Mrs Chidera Joseph, a fashion designer in Wuse, said that even though she has had loyal customers who patronised her irrespective of the economic hardship, the numbers had dropped.

According to her, the challenges in the country have not given room for people to feed and wear clothes at the same time because of the high cost of living.

She added that the Christmas season was one of the periods tailors experience high patronage and make profit but this year had taken a different turn and “only a few can afford the luxury”.

Joseph said the situation has stopped her from having new customers during the yuletide, unlike in the previous season when she witnessed “Christmas rush”.

She added that things had become harder in the country than before, adding that God was still providing and doing the impossible.

NAN reports that Christmas in Nigeria and other parts of the world is celebrated annually on Dec. 25 and it usually involves buying of all kinds of foodstuff, materials, human and home adornment.

NAN also reports that the situation this year was different because of the current economic situation. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

================
Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Vincent Obi

By Collins Yakubu-Hammer

The Cross River Traditional Council says the selection of the Obong is its exclusive responsibility and legitimacy recognized by the Constitution of the Obong’s Palace and affirmed by the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

This is contained in a statement jointly signed and issued by the Chairman, Etubom Essien Ekpenyong Effiok, and Secretary, Etubom Micah Archibong VI, for the traditional council on Sunday in Abuja.

Effiok stressed that there is the absolute need by all and sundry to respect and obey the Supreme Court Judgement concerning the selection of Obong in the state.

According to Effiok, it had become imperative to brief the public to clarify some misconceptions held by highly- placed government officials and to also set the records straight.

Effiok explained that a recent statement by a government official indicated that the state government has undertaken a judicial review of the State High Court, and Supreme Court rulings.

He added that it also indicated that the state government has undertaken the review of the Constitution of the Obong’s Palace and interfaced with Royal Fathers.

According to Effiok, the Council is not aware of any panel of Judicial or Administrative Review, adding that it has not been invited to appear or testify before such a body and as Royal Fathers.

“Above that, not having had any interface with the Governor on the matter only goes to reinforce our impression that he was only expressing his personal opinion.

“As Governor to all, we are understandably uncomfortable that he embarked on such a Judicial review and interfaced with other ‘Royal Fathers’ without any reference to the legitimate Council. This is so unfortunate.

“The high court case being relied upon by the governor has no relevance with the Supreme Court Judgement delivered on January 13, 2013.

“This is except for the fact that the four respondents contemptuously disobeyed the orders of Justice Ukpai A. lbitam.

“In reality, the judgment of the High Court by Justice Obojor A. Ogar on the 30th of January 2012, setting aside the selection and subsequent crowning of Etubom Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu, has been confirmed by both the Appellate and Supreme Courts,” Effiok said.

According to Effiok, there is absolutely no State High Court Judgement delivered on this subject matter on Sept. 25, 2022.

He explained further that such an error is a natural consequence of the independent review embarked by the governor.

“We refuse to be drawn into the tempting impression that the governor, being from the same Efik family of Adiabo Principality, as Otu, has anything to do with his conclusions.

“But this again, goes to emphasize how unsafe it was for our governor to embark upon this journey unassisted.

“Be that as it may, we wish to point out that the Supreme Court of Nigeria Judgement of 13th January 2013, set aside the selection of Otu as the Obong of Calabar on the 31st of March 2008.

“This means that from 31st March 2008 to date, there is and has been no Obong of Calabar, as we are still in the selection process.

“The same judgement directed that the selection process be conducted afresh, and the selection process can only be carried out by those who were in the Etuboms’ Council at that time.

“And it should be carried out according to the Constitution of Etuboms’ Traditional Council, 2002. There are only seven of us alive as of the time of the said Supreme Court Judgement, Effiok maintained.

He alleged that Etuboms who were not qualified to vote as at 31st March, 2008, and who had been capped by an impostor, hurriedly came together and purportedly re-selected Otu on January 18, 2023.

“This again was an avoidable and unnecessary fundamental flaw,” he stressed.

Effiok further said that in compliance with the Supreme Court Judgement, the Council embarked on a fresh selection process.

He added that, unfortunately, Otu, whose real name is Isukise and hails from Okobo, refused to be part of the selection process even though he was duly invited through the courier service to attend the exercise.

“In turning down the invitation to appear before the qualified Etuboms for screening and possible selection, we had no option than to screen the only other candidate presented.

“He is Dr Anthony Asuquo Ani, presented to us by the Western Calabar Traditional Rulers’ Council – Etubom. We found him qualified and have since selected and proclaimed him as the new Obong of Calabar,” he said.

Buttressing further, Effiok said the Council had notified the State Government and sought permission to conduct his coronation and for his recognition by the Cross River State Government.

“It does appear that the Governor has rejected our request and has granted explicit recognition to Otu as the Obong of Calabar.

“We want to state here without any ambiguity that the Governor’s decision is a serious challenge to the Supreme Court judgement as it is not within his power to do so.

“Let us state here therefore most equivocally that our Etuboms’ Council is the one recognised by the Supreme Court Judgment and Ani is the Obong of Calabar of the Efik Nation and his Traditional Coronation shall be carried out accordingly.

“We will like those who may want to know that the selection of an Obong in Efik land is exclusively the responsibility of the traditional council which has nothing to do with politics.

“As far as we are concerned, the only legitimate and recognised Traditional Council is the one headed by my humble self as the chairman,” Effiok stressed.

He then suggested that the governor should set up an independent and unbiased body to handle the situation or submit the Supreme Court’s Judgement to a court of competent jurisdiction to interpret for immediate implementation. (NAN)

Edited by Vincent Obi

Save Ikole Group, a socio-political group in Ikole-Ekiti, Ekiti State, has called for the intervention of Gov. Biodun Oyebanji over 29 months absence of Elekole of Ikole-Ekiti, Oba Adewumi Fasiku, from the town.

The group made the call in a Save Our Soul (SOS) letter signed by nine frontline members and addressed to the governor and his Deputy, Mrs Monisade Afuye.

The letter was also addressed to the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr Folorunso Olabode, the Lagos State and Diaspora chapters of the youth group.

The letter was signed by Hon. Segun Adelugba, Chief Alaba Olanipekun, Mr Benjamin Fatoye, Mr Mathew Makinde, Mr Laisi Oguntuase, Mr Funso Oguntuase, Mr Tope Famoroti, Mr Ademola Ogunjobi and Prince Taiwo Olominu.

The group alleged that the traditional ruler had been incapacitated by illness for about 29 months, hence absent from his domain.

“The Royal father has not been seen in public, and it has been confirmed that he is no longer capable of defending, protecting and preserving the community.”

The group further alleged that the traditional ruler had left the palace since Aug. 17, 2021, while his where about was not disclosed to the indigenes of Ikole-Ekiti ever since.

“His immediate family has not made any information about him available, thereby leaving the entire community without leadership, direction and control for over two years.

“Due to the royal father’s absence, there has been no development or growth of any kind in the recent past.

“There has been no coordinated effort to harness individual moves aimed at improving the lot of the people to the detriment of the entire community.”

The group therefore urged the governor and other stakeholders to intervene in ensuring that the leadership stool of the community is not vacant (NAN)

Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

By EricJames Ochigbo

Residents of Sabon Lugbe, Lugbe District, Abuja have called for urgent intervention by the government on the deteriorating condition of the only access road to the community.

The residents from Aso and Taproot Estates made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday, in Abuja.

The district comprises different estates and other settlements, which includes Sallybest Estate, Daysprig Estate, Vergas Estate, KYC Estate among other settlements in the area.

They said that the road was the only access connecting the community to the Airport Road from which they could then connect to other parts of the city.

The Chairman, Aso Estate Residents Association, Mr Folorunsho Okeji, said that the estate had been in existence for the past 20 years, constructed by Aso Savings and Loans.

Okeji said that the central culvert which served as major drainage from other area, crossing under the road was at the verge of collapsing.

The chairman explained that should the culvert collapsed, it would not only affect residents of the community but others surrounding settlements as well as where the water comes from.

He said that some parts of the road had greatly eroded, noting that residents had placed expired tyres in dangerous areas to caution unsuspecting road users of falling into the pit.

“It is the only road serving us in and out of this community but in the last seven years, more developments have taken place inside the area which has caused increase in the demand of the road.

“It attracted heavy duty vehicles like truck carrying cements and so on; the road is heavily degraded now.

“We have been managing it as estates and with a few individuals in this area over the last five years, but it is getting worse and more expensive to do anything.

“Right now, as it is, I am not sure it can survive another rainy season; if nothing is done now, it will cut off and we will be in real trouble as a community.

“We are appealing to government, the Minister of FCT, Satellite Towns Development Department, as a matter of urgency, to help us fix this road,” he said.

Also speaking, the Chairman, Taproot Estate Residents Association, Mr Mathias Ebiega, appealed to relevant authorities to come to the aid of the community.

He said that the road had progressively degraded in the last three years and all community self-help had failed to stand the erosion.

“This is an appeal for assistance regarding the road that is failing, if you look behind me, this culvert leads to several estimates behind me.

“It is already going bad; this community houses about 20 estates and all of us use this same bridge to access our estates.

“It has been degrading for the past three years, initially we made efforts to control the erosion with bags of sands but whenever it rains, it keeps eroding the sand and this is where we are today.

“We want those in authority to help us fix the road, fix the bridge, the roadside drainages and equally from the express way down into the community; this is our plea and what we are calling for,” he said.

Another resident, Dr Babatunde Abegunde, who had lived in the area for over 18 years said that there had been a steady increase in population, houses and businesses without commensurable infrastructural development.

According to him, they have not felt any government presence and the road has progressively worsened.

“Here we are with this singular bridge linking the road to the main expressway virtually gone, sooner than later, this will give way.

“It is a time bomb, sooner than later, the bridge will breakdown and  we will be cut off from the express.

“Something has to be done, we are appealing to everyone, especially AMAC, they are collecting tenement rates and we do not feel their presence,” he said.

Also, a former Chairman of Taproot Estate Residents Association, Mr Matthew Babatunde, said that residents who were willing to pay tenement fees should also have something to benefit.

“We are supposed to have something to enjoy as citizens of Nigeria and the FCT for us to pay; we know it is our obligation to pay but there should be something for us to enjoy.

“I want to appeal to the government, those who are responsible for this in the FCT, AMAC, Federal Government, Federal Housing Authority, Ministry of Works and Housing to have mercy on us and attend to this issues before it gets out of hand completely.

“This road cannot survive another rainy season, by the next rainy season, this place will completely wash away and it will cut off the entire community from the FCT,” he said.

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Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

By Blessing Ibegbu

The Nyanya Local Church Council (LCC) of the Church Of Christ in Nations (COCIN), FCT, on Sunday celebrated its 40 years of existence with a call for peace and unity in the country.

COCIN Vice President in Nigeria, Rev. Timothy Nwan, in a speech at the “Re-Union and Dedication Service”, thanked God for the grace that gave them success over the years.

He expressed joy and gratitude while thanking God for the abundant blessings that brought the LCC to its current glory.

Nwan appreciated God Almighty for seeing COCIN through its 120 years of existence and Nyanya LCC’s 40 years.

According to him, Nigeria needs peace and unity, and the Church must be united because no nation or congregation can prosper without unity.

“We must live in peace with one another to propagate the gospel of Christ. The entire country will be affected if there is division in Nigeria; united we stand, divided we fall.

“We must continue to pray for the unity and peace of this country which is in line with the theme of COCIN Church this year,” Nwan said.

Rev. Jacob Mallau, the leading Pastor of Nyanya LCC and Chairman, Regional Church Council (RCC), Karu, thanked God for uplifting the Church over the years.

Malau warned against spiritual decline that had affected the Church worldwide, pointing out that end time was approaching, and the devil was getting more desperate.

“For Nigeria, all we are facing today must come to an end one day because whatever has a beginning has an end. We trust God for the end of all these challenges,” he said.

Mallau emphasised the need for preachers to be wary of what they preach while on the pulpit, adding that the pulpit has a great role to play as long as peace of the country is concerned.

“We should always ensure that our teachings affect the youths positively because they are the future and backbone of the Church.

“The Church that will grow must have vibrant youths that will serve as light to the world if they harken to the word and teaching of God.

“I call on the youths to use their time well and not allow the devil to use them to cause confusion in the Church and nation,” Mallau stated.

In her speech, the women leader of the Church, Mrs Mariam Dakum, thanked God for the 40th anniversary celebration and called on women in the Church and Nigeria to show love to mankind.

She admonished the women to always show love and support to their husbands in carrying out God’s work for the betterment of humanity.

Mr Seth Simon, the Head and Captain of COCIN Boys Brigade, in his remarks, emphasised the need for youths and children to join groups like the Boys Brigade.

According to him, such groups build them from an early age to inculcate the fear of God in their lives.

“Such fear of God will help them grow as the light of the world,” she said.

Simon said that parents should strive to ensure that they guide and help their children to have peer groups that would help them grow and be nurtured in God’s ways.

Ms Lydia Magwe, a Church member, expressed joy over the anniversary and acknowledged God’s work in the LCC and in the lives of members over the years.

She added that God was the secret of the growth of the Church, and called on parents, wives, and Church workers to put in their best in their respective assignments on earth.

She advised Christians to let the glory of God reflect on their lives wherever they found themselves.

Mr Ibrahim Dakum, Chairman, Planning Committee of the ceremony, thanked God for divine enablement and spirit of unity towards the success of the programme.

Dakum expressed happiness over the expansion of the Church to neighbouring states and prayed for the stability of members and for followers of Christ to make Heaven.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a Hausa gospel artist, Pam Monday, entertained the congregation at the ceremony. (NAN)

By Angela Atabo

Prof. John Palfrey, President of John D and Catherine T MacArthur Foundation, has been conferred with the traditional title of ‘Byefeche ’Nugba’ of the indigenous people of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

The title, which means ‘Hero of Justice’ for the FCT indigenous inhabitants, was conferred on Palfrey by Sa’ Peyi Garki (Chief of Garki), Alhaji Usman Nga-Kupi, on Monday in Abuja.

Nga-Kupi explained, during the ceremony, that Palfrey was honoured in recognition of his achievements and contributions to nation-building and grassroots development in the FCT.

He said that MacArthur Foundation had impacted significantly on FCT communities, especially the youths, and appealed for continuity for more people to benefit.

“Having seen the role and the impact the community has derived from you, we said we should also say thank you.

“We equally urge you to invest in agriculture and other job creation ventures to support the current drive to diversify the nation’s economy and create employment,” he said.

The Secretary of the Garki Traditional Council, Mr Lazarus Nyaholo, explained that Palfrey recognition was strictly on merit.

Nyaholo added that Palfrey was the first foreigner to be conferred with the title in the nearly 600 years existence of the chiefdom.

He said that the foundation’s numerous interventions have drawn attention to the people’s protracted struggles against marginalisation and exclusion for decades, since the relocation of Nigeria’s capital from Lagos to Abuja.

“The beauty of MacArthur’s projects lies mainly in the capacity it built on our people to directly advocate on issues bordering on our political, economic, social, and cultural rights.

“More importantly, our traditional justice system has been strengthened to address sexual and gender-based violence.

“Today, it is difficult for any man in the FCT to molest a woman or a girl and the period of forced or underage marriage in the FCT is over,” he said.

The secretary also said that persons with disabilities equally enjoyed some level of inclusion courtesy of the foundation’s interventions, including the resuscitation of the preservation of FTC’s cultural heritage.

In the political scene, Nyaholo said that the foundation’s interventions on advocacy for inclusive governance and participation also contribute to the appointment of their son as a minister in President Bola Tinubu cabinet.

He added that another son was appointed as a Mandate Secretary among other special advisers and directors in FCT Administration.

“We now have a voice and representation in the Federal Executive Council, and we have also been appointed as Mandate Secretaries equal to state commissioners, Special Advisers, and Directors at the Federal Capital Territory Administration.

“These are some benefits that eluded us for the past 47 years due to political isolation and social exclusion,” the secretary said.

Responding, Palfrey thanked the FCT people for the recognition saying, “I am very glad to accept this high honour on behalf of our team who work here, in Abuja.

“We at MacArthur Foundation, honour and respect the important role played by traditional institutions in Nigeria and around the world, in maintaining law and order, settling disputes, encouraging education, and encouraging healthy behaviours.

“We see you as the foundation of society that survives, in every transition of government in Nigeria and around the world.

“MacArthur Foundation is a global foundation, and whether we are at home in the United States of America in Chicago, or Abuja, we acknowledge and honour indigenous communities.”

In her remarks, Mrs Abiodun Essien, Senior Special Assistant to the President Tinubu on Community Engagement, commended the traditional ruler for the gesture.

Essien said that Palfrey’s exceptional leadership and initiatives give voice to the voiceless, adding that his recognition serves as a testament to the importance of justice in society. (NAN)

Edited by Philip Yatai

By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal/Mujidat Oyewole

Job Atolagbe, the traditional ruler of Shao in Moro Local Government Area of Kwara, says the community’s age-old mass wedding tradition is to promote unity and inclusiveness among indigenes.

Atolagbe, who is the Ohoro of Shao, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

The traditional ruler and NAN correspondent during the interview

According to the traditional ruler, the Awon mass wedding model provides an annual rallying point for indigenes.

Atolagbe, who recalled that his mother also wedded through the Awon festival, described the marriage institution as a critical aspect of community life in Shao.

Delving into the history of the mass wedding, the Ohoro said a hunter in the community in ancient times called Omo Larele had often stopped at a small stream to drink water anytime he went hunting in the forest.

“As was his tradition, he stopped by the stream to drink water on a particular day and he saw a strange woman sitted at the stream.

” She was said to be weird looking and had only one breast.

“History tells us that the woman was a fairy and her name was Awon.

” She told the hunter that she was the owner of the stream which he normally drank from,” he said.

Atolagbe explained further that Awon told the hunter to take her to Oba Olanibo who was the first Ohoro of Shao.

“Awon was taken to Shao and she spent 18 days with the people of Shao. Before she left, she had a meeting with Oba Lanibo and his chiefs.

“When she was set to depart from Shao, she was accompanied by Oba Lanibo, his son and the chiefs of Shao, following a path that Awon chose,” he said.

Atolagbe said Awon pledged to protect the community, but stipulated that indigenes should immortalise her through the annual mass wedding for females.

He pointed out that ladies married through the Awon mass wedding festival must acquire skills and should be of marriageable age.

The traditional ruler added that would-be grooms must be employed or engaged in vocations to cater for their spouses.

Atolagbe appealed to all tiers of government and Non-Governmental Organisations to support and promote the Awon wedding festival.

He added that brides that had acquired skills should be empowered with necessary tools to be self-employed.

Also speaking with NAN, a community leader, Dr Wole Oke, described the festival as an annual unifying event devoid of religious persuasions.

“As far back as 1975, the government of Kwara had showed interest in the event and had always sent representatives to grace the occasion.

“Some of our sons and daughters also return to the community to celebrate the event,” he said.(NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Julius Toba-Jegede