Category: Entertainment

20th Anniversary: 12 cultural dance groups honour Etsu Karu

20th Anniversary: 12 cultural dance groups honours Etsu Karu

Anniversary

By Priscilla Osaje

Abuja, June 30, 2024(NAN) No fewer than 12 cultural dance groups on Saturday showcased  their various cultural diversity and creativity to honour  Dr Luka Baba, Etsu Karu  at his 20th anniversary in New Karu, Nasarawa State.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the groups comprised  Gbagyi, Eggon, Mada, Koro, Ebira, Tiv, Ngas, Berom, Chawai, Igbo, Idoma and Efik .

The Eggon Anzalu  dance group, composed of men, presented fascinating dance steps, electrifying the atmosphere with their drums and trumpets.

Mr Yakubu Garba, leader of the group, said honouring the leadership of Etsu Karu for two decades gives them joy because he is a man of the people.

Garba said that his leadership quality should be emulated by other leaders, saying that he carries every ethnic group in his domain along without discrimination.

“This dance group is a unifying force that brings us together and we will keep trying to foster our unity through it,” he said .

Also speaking, Chief Adoji Aliku, Aren Eggon Karu, said the Eggon ‘Traditional Council Karu’, felicitated the  Etsu Karu on the occasion of his 20th anniversary on the throne.

Aliku said that the Etsu Karu  is one of the outstanding first class traditional rulers in the state because of his leadership style.

“He  has contributed to the growth and development of Karu. He organises free medical outreaches for his people, and always organised peace meetings in collaboration with all security agencies.

” This is the main reason why Karu is relatively peaceful as it was described as a mini Nigeria. It hosts almost all the whole tribes in the Country, ” he said.

The traditional ruler prayed for long life and prosperity for him, adding that God should give him more wisdom to discharge his duties effectively.

Earlier, Baba commended the solidarity and goodwill messages showered on him, saying the memories would forever remain with him.

He said that the event was a milestone in the history of tradition, which would provide the opportunity to reflect on the past, celebrate the present and look forward to what the future has in stock.

” Celebrating the 20 glorious years I have been on the throne of our ancestors was a great achievement for us in Karu.

” These  two decades has been a  great honour and privilege serving Karu people, together we have achieved great things and overcome several challenges.

” Our journey has been guided by commitment, fostering peace and unity among our people.

” Dialogues and understanding have made it possible for us to bring together people of different backgrounds, ethnicity and belief as one united family,” he said.

He said that the special grace of God had made the people of  Karu to be united, stronger and more prosperous.

“Since my reign as the leader of Karu, we have decided to bring peace and harmony to our diverse communities.

” Our efforts to resolve conflicts  have transformed  Karu to a peaceful community worthy of emulation by other communities,” he added.

He appreciated everyone that have contributed one way or the other in making his reign to be successful.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

PO/JPE

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Edited by Joseph Edeh

Fashion model emerges winner of  Korean writing competition

Fashion model emerges winner in Korean writing competition

Competition

By Priscilla Osaje

Abuja, June 28, 2024(NAN) Miss Joy Ossai, a fashion model, on Thursday emerged winner at the 2024 Korean writing competition, organised by King Sejong Institute Foundation at the Korea Cultural Centre Nigeria (KCCN) in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Sejong Institute Foundation is the major Korean Languages Institute in South Korea.

It introduces Korean culture to foreigners by working to make their interests in Korea develop into their better understanding and love for Korea.

The Korean ‘Speech and Writing’ contest grand finale and award ceremony, held at KCCN, featured 15 contestants, 10 contestants for speech contest and five for writing contest with the topic” My Special Korea Culture Experience”.

Ossai who emerged winner in the writing competition and second in the speech competition, will go home with a cash prize of N100, 000 and N50, 000 respectively.

Ms Pearl Ogbalu who came second will go home with a cash prize of N50, 000 and Lantana Muhammad who came third, takes home a cash prize of N30, 000.

An online contestant, Ms Precious Ayodele emerged winner of the speech competition with a cash prize of N100, 000 and a trip to Korea, Ms Chidera Nwankwo who came third won a cash prize of N30, 000.

Ossai said words were not sufficient for her to express her joy, as she emerged winner in the writing competition beating five contestants.

According to her, she feels so happy and grateful for the opportunity given to her by KCCN to participate in the competition.

Ossai said that the award meant a lot to her, adding that she would not take it for granted.

” I did not study the Korean language, I started the study in Nigeria and every single thing I know in Korea started here.

” I never attended any Korean school; I always study with materials on the internet.

” I developed interest the first time I heard about the language. I told myself I must learn this language.

” Sincerely speaking, Korean is the best language in the world and I prefer the language to English. That is to tell you how much I love it,” she said.

Miss Pearl Ogbalu, a content creator, who came 2nd in the writing competition, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity given to her to prove her ability.

Ogbalu said that though her hard work gave her the position, it was made possible due to the resources that were made available online for them to study.

” You can also study through hobbies, interested in drama as well as K-pop music.

” There are so many ways to learn, but you must be willing to absorb information as much as you can,” she said.

Ogbalu appreciated KCCN for fostering such a beautiful relationship between South Korea and Nigeria.

“I commend the centre for creating such opportunities and constantly giving people the chance every year to be in Korea to experience their imagination about Korea,“she said.

Mr Kim Changki, Director KCCN, said that a speech and writing contest was organised yearly for Nigerians that are interested in studying Korean language.

According to him, the centre has Korea language classes, aimed at promoting the Korean language in Nigeria and their teachers came from Korea some days ago.

He commended the winners for developing interest in studying the Korean language, as well as their love for Korean culture.

“I congratulate the winners of this competition for doing their best in studying Korean language.

” The speech competition winner will have the opportunity to go to Korea, eat their food, drink and have full knowledge of Korean culture.

Also speaking, Ms Chidinma Tobins, administrative officer of KCCN, said the competition aimed at spreading the Korean language in a bid  to expose it to other countries.

According to her, there are other programmes at the King Sejong Institute Foundation, where Korean language is being thought.

” This competition that involves  speaking and writing is a way of encouraging the spread of the  language, as well as encouraging people to be interested in it,“he said. (NAN)(WWW.nannews.ng)

PO/JPE

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Edited by Joseph Edeh

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Zinno Orara was born in 1964 in Benin, Edo.

He graduated from the School of Art and Design, Auchi Polytechnic in 1988 and had been a full time studio artist since then.

By Babajide Awoyinfa and Taiye Olayemi

Ceremony

Lagos, June 25, 2024 (NAN) The highly anticipated wedding of Nigerian music megastar, Davido and his long-time partner, Chioma Rowland, took over the social media on Tuesday with series of heartwarming and memorable moments.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that videos and pictures that surfaced online allowed fans worldwide to partake in the joyous occasion.

Fans felt as though they were right there, celebrating alongside the couple, as the ceremony garnered thousands of views and reactions from those who could not get enough of the couple’s enchanting love story.

Also, it was all pomp and pageantry as the wedding ceremony brought together some of the big names in politics, business, and entertainment.

Distinguished guests who graced the occasion are former President Olusegun Obasanjo; Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi; Oba Saheed Elegushi of Ikate-Elegushi Kingdom.

Other prominent dignitaries in attendance include Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun; Gov. Ademola Adeleke of Osun; former governor of Akwa Ibom, Udom Emmanuel; the President’s son, Seyi Tinubu; business mogul and socialite, Obi Cubana and many others.

The wedding, tagged #CHIVIDO2024, eagerly awaited by fans and well-wishers, showcased Davido and Chioma in their stunning traditional attires.

While Chioma dazzled in a breathtaking beaded bridal attire, exuding elegance and radiant beauty, Davido also looked dapper in his outfit.

The couple’s coordinated outfits highlighted their unity and style, making a powerful statement of their commitment to each other.

One of the standout moments from the videos online was Davido and Chioma’s affectionate display on the stairs.

The ‘Unavailable’ crooner was seen tenderly cooling Chioma’s makeup with a fan, a gesture that captured the hearts of many fans online.

Another memorable moment of the ceremony captured on video, was when Davido prostrated before Chioma’s parents, expressing his commitment to their daughter’s well-being.

He said, “Your daughter will be protected, respected and connected.”

The venue was also decorated with a mix of white and gold colours.

The opulent decor added to the grandeur of the event, creating a perfect backdrop for the couple’s special day.

Davido surprised Chioma with a car gift, bearing a customised number plate, “CHIVIDO”. (NAN)

BAG/PTB
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Edited by Folasade Adeniran

Cholera

By Priscilla Osaje

Abuja, June 25,2024(NAN)Mrs Funmi Kazeem, President, Hotel Owners Forum (HOFA), Abuja,  says the recent outbreak of cholera in Nigeria is a public health concern that requires immediate attention.

Kazeem stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja.

According to her, she has advised all hotels and restaurants to prioritise the health and safety of their guests and staff.

She added that they had put in place some modalities such as enhancing water treatment and quality control measures, regular disinfection and sanitation of all facilities to prevent any outbreak in the hospitality sector.

The president said that other modalities were proper food handling and storage practices, training of staff on cholera prevention and management and collaboration with health authorities to ensure prompt response to any suspected cases.

“As a stakeholder in the hospitality sector, I urge all hotels and restaurants to prioritise the health and safety of their guests and staff.

“We are committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for our guests and staff.

” Let us work together to prevent the spread of cholera in Nigeria,” she said.

She urged hoteliers and guests to maintain hygiene both personal and environmental.

It will be recalled that the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, in a recent report, said that between Jan. 1 and June 11, it recorded over 1,141 suspected cases with over 65 confirmed and 30 deaths in 96 local government areas in 30 states. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

PO/OJI/MNA

Edited by Maureen Ojinaka/Maureen Atuonwu

Ex-governor’s wife urges Nigerian authors to address societal ills

Authors

By Joshua Olomu

Abuja, June 23, 2024 ( NAN)Erelu Bisi Fayemi, a prolific writer and wife of  former Ekiti State governor, Kayode Fayemi,  has urged Nigerian authors to use their works to address societal ills and advocate social change.

Fayemi made the call in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)  on the sideline of the June edition of the monthly “Reading and Writers Dialogue” in Abuja.

The “Reading and Writers Dialogue” is a flagship programme of the Abuja chapter of   Association of Nigerian Authors(ANA) that brings together authors, literary enthusiasts, and then discuss the works of a selected Guest Author.

NAN reports that the June edition of the dialogue, with the theme, “The Writer as an Advocate of Social and Political Change”, which was held on Saturday, featured Fayemi as the Guest Writer.

According to Fayemi, writers are people driven by passion to drive positive changes in societies and every author’s work should be used as a tool to  advocate social and political change.

She, therefore, urged Nigerian writers not to keep mute in the midst of various challenges, such as economic hardship, bad leadership at all  levels, insecurity , child abuse and domestic violence.

“Everyone, who feels inspired to write, regardless of their age, where they are positioned, what platform they occupy, should continue to do so because we all have something to say.

“Those of us who are advocating a better world, for change, for a more inclusive society, sometimes we feel that this change takes a long time for people to have, and  we become discouraged.

“We find ourselves writing the same thing over and over again; writing about poverty, writing about gender and sexual-based violence, writing about the lack of education opportunities for the girl child.

“We write  about how we are all victims when it comes to having a society that is uneven and unequal, and writing about how our leaders need to do better, and  sometimes we get tired.

“That is why  it is as if some people just keep quiet and do not  want to write anymore, and my response to that is, we need to write anyway because keeping quiet  is not an option.

“Silence  is exactly what some people are counting on, that the change we are seeking for does not happen,” she said.

Some of Fayemi’s books discussed at the event included ‘Loud Whispers’; ‘Where is Your Wrapper’; ‘A Tray of Locust Beans’ and ‘Demand  and Supply’.

Earlier in his speech, Arc. Chukwudi  Eze, Chairman ANA Abuja, lauded  Fayemi for using her writings to advocate equal society, promote women’s right and hold leaders accountable.

He, therefore, urged both young and seasoned authors to look beyond monetary gains and use their writings to advocate fair and better society for all Nigerians.

“Erelu is not only a trailblazer in advocacy and activism, but also a prolific writer, with a collection of notable publications that amplify the voices of marginalised communities.

“As we go into discussions inspired by her remarkable career and literary legacy, let us be reminded of the  responsibilities we bear as writers to advocate for positive change in our society.

“Through our stories, poems and essays, we have the capacity to inspire, challenge and mobilise for a better tomorrow, “ he said.

Also, Prof. Tanure Ojaide, who chaired the  discussion panel at the event, said :

“Writers are people who want to leave the world better that they meet it.

“It is therefore important that both young and established writers use their works  to advocate societal change.”

In his goodwill message,  Ekiti  State Gov. Biodun Oyebanji, lauded the leadership of ANA Abuja for the initiative and urged  Nigerian authors to always use their works to promote positive change.

The event also had in attendance other government functionaries, lawmakers, including Opeyemi Bamidele, leader of the 10^th Nigerian Senate, as well as students drawn from different schools.

NAN reports that the event featured spoken word , songs, poetry and other presentations by students, and the highpoint was the presentation of awards to young authors. (NAN) (nannews.ng)

JOSH/IAA

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Edited by Isaac Aregbesola