Category: Events-Festivals

ABAKALIKI, Nigeria (NPA) — The First Lady of Ebonyi State, Chief Mrs Uzoamaka Mary-Maudline Nwifuru, has expressed appreciation to women and women’s groups across the state for their participation in the grand finale of the 2026 August Meeting.

Nwifuru described the celebration as another opportunity for women across Ebonyi to come together in unity, love and joy, while reflecting on their roles in building families and communities.

In a statement personally issued by her, the First Lady also urged women who benefited from the empowerment programmes during the August Meeting to use the support wisely and for the purpose for which it was provided.

“To the women who were empowered during this August Meeting, I encourage you to use the support for the purpose for which it was given. Invest it wisely in your businesses, grow your ventures, and let the impact of this empowerment extend to your families and communities.

“I look forward to seeing the beautiful results of your hard work,” she said.

Nwifuru expressed gratitude to God for the success of the 2026 August Meeting and thanked those who contributed to the success of the grand finale.

“What a beautiful way to bring the 2026 August Meeting to a close. I am grateful to God for the success of this year’s celebration and for the opportunity to gather with our women in unity, love and joy,” she said.

She also appreciated the Executive Governor of Ebonyi State and the Deputy Governor, Princess Patricia Obila, for their support, noting that the Deputy Governor represented the governor at the grand finale.

“My heartfelt appreciation goes to His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Ebonyi State, and to our Deputy Governor, Her Excellency Princess Patricia Obila, for representing him at the Grand Finale,” she said.

The First Lady also appreciated the Minister of Works, who served as chairman of the occasion and was represented by Deacon Austin Umahi, for honouring the event with his presence.

She extended her appreciation to the celebrities and special guests who attended the celebration, saying their presence, energy and warmth contributed to the success of the event.

Nwifuru said the theme of the 2026 August Meeting offered an important reminder about the responsibilities and influence of women in society.

“Above all, the theme of this year’s August Meeting reminds us that being a woman is a call to love, nurture, build, support and make a difference.

“May we take these lessons home and continue to be a blessing to our families, communities, and State,” she said.

She thanked every woman who participated in, supported or contributed to the celebration, describing their involvement as instrumental to making the event successful.

“To every woman who participated, supported and contributed to making this year’s August Meeting special, thank you. You made it beautiful.

“May God continue to bless our women and our dear Ebonyi State,” she said.

LAGOS, Nigeria (NPA) — The Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture (LSCAC) has concluded its 2026 Children’s Summer Cultural Fiesta with a colourful grand finale, ending a week-long programme aimed at immersing children in the richness of Lagos and Nigerian cultural heritage while nurturing their creativity, confidence and artistic talents.

The event, held at the LSCAC Theatre Hall from August 13 to August 20, 2026, was themed “Our Culture, Our Identity.”

The programme brought together children for a week of cultural learning, creative expression and entertainment, with participants receiving practical training in arts and crafts, textiles, Yoruba language, dance, music, drama and storytelling.

The activities provided participants with opportunities to connect with their cultural roots while discovering and developing their individual talents.

Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs Bopo Oyekan-Ismaila, the Director/CEO of LSCAC, Mr Idowu Johnson, described the theme of the programme as timely and significant.

Johnson emphasised that culture remains central to the identity of a people, noting that introducing children to their heritage is one of the most effective ways of preserving traditions for future generations.

Mrs Oyekan-Ismaila commended the facilitators and organisers for providing a platform where children could learn, create and express themselves through indigenous cultural activities.

She noted that beyond acquiring practical skills, participants also developed greater confidence, creativity and a deeper appreciation of their cultural identity.

In his welcome address, Johnson received the children, parents, guardians and other guests, stressing the importance of helping young people understand their identity and heritage.

According to him, culture goes beyond clothing, music and festivals, encompassing language, values, traditions and creativity — elements that collectively shape a people’s identity and sense of belonging.

He reiterated the commitment of the Lagos State Government to supporting initiatives that nurture creativity, develop skills and create opportunities for young people within the cultural and creative industries.

Johnson encouraged the children to take pride in their heritage, embrace their indigenous languages and traditions, and deploy creativity and innovation to promote the rich cultural identity of Lagos State.

The grand finale featured drama, dance, music and other cultural performances by the children, showcasing the knowledge and skills acquired during the Fiesta.

Parents and guardians expressed appreciation to the organisers, describing the initiative as impactful and valuable, while calling for the programme to be sustained and expanded to accommodate more children in future editions.

Awards were also presented to outstanding participants, highlighting the importance of providing platforms that enable young people to explore their cultural heritage while developing their creative potential.

The 2026 Children’s Summer Cultural Fiesta ended on a high note, with participants leaving the programme inspired, more knowledgeable and more deeply connected to their cultural roots.

The Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture reaffirmed its commitment to promoting cultural education and creativity among young people as part of efforts to raise a generation capable of preserving, promoting and transforming the rich cultural heritage of Lagos State.

ABAKALIKI, Nigeria (NPA) — Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru has felicitated with the people of the Izzi clan in Ebonyi State as they celebrate their annual New Yam Festival, popularly known as Ojiji.

The governor urged the people to use the occasion to strengthen the bonds of unity among families, kindreds and communities while preserving the cultural heritage handed down by their ancestors.

In a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Dr Monday Uzor, Nwifuru described the Ojiji festival as more than a cultural celebration, but a reflection of the identity, values and communal strength of the Izzi people.

“Ojiji is not merely a festival but a sacred expression of who we are as a people, a celebration of the fruits of our labour, the abundance of our land, the wisdom of our ancestors and the enduring strength of our communal bonds,” the governor said.

He stressed the importance of preserving the cultural inheritance of the people and passing it on to future generations amid what he described as the growing erosion of indigenous values and traditions.

“As we gather in our villages, homes and various communities to celebrate Ojiji, I urge every son and daughter of Izzi to remember the virtues that have historically distinguished our people — unity, courage, hospitality, hard work, respect for elders, communal responsibility and love for one another,” he stated.

Nwifuru said he remained proud of the rich cultural heritage of the Izzi people and pledged the continued support of his administration for initiatives aimed at preserving indigenous traditions and promoting the identity of communities across Ebonyi State.

“As your Governor and, more importantly, as your son and brother, I am particularly proud of the rich cultural heritage of Izzi. Our culture is one of the greatest treasures we possess, and my administration will continue to support initiatives that preserve our traditions, promote our indigenous identity and create opportunities for our people to prosper,” he added.

The governor also called on traditional rulers, elders, political leaders, youths, women and other stakeholders to continue working together for the peace, development and progress of Izzi communities.

Meanwhile, the people of Effium in Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State also marked their annual New Yam Festival, which culminated in a grand finale on Friday.

The celebration traditionally features the popular Effium puberty passage rites for males and females, known as Male-Leta and Male-Ujojo, respectively, reflecting the community’s rich cultural traditions.

This year’s celebration carries special significance for the people of Effium following years of conflict that ravaged the community and surrounding areas.

Effium has witnessed a prolonged crisis lasting more than five years between the host community and other groups, resulting in deaths, displacement and the destruction of property.

However, peace has gradually begun returning to the troubled community following interventions by the Ebonyi State Government and other stakeholders.

For the people of Effium, the celebration of this year’s New Yam Festival in their ancestral homeland is being viewed as a symbolic return to peace, unity and prosperity.

Governor Nwifuru, who has continued to emphasise his administration’s commitment to restoring lasting peace in the area, recently reiterated his resolve to ensure total peace and security in Effium and.

The governor’s administration has identified the restoration of stability in the community as critical to rebuilding its economy and preserving its rich cultural traditions.

Effium was once a notable centre of commerce and cultural activities in Ebonyi State, and residents now hope that the return of peace will restore the community’s prosperity and allow its people to rebuild their lives.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Peter Obi, has expressed concern over the growing number of Nigerians displaced by terrorism, banditry and violent attacks, describing the situation as a national tragedy.

In a statement marking the 2026 World Refugee Day, Obi said millions of Nigerians have effectively become refugees in their own country as insecurity continues to force communities from their homes.

According to him, internally displaced persons (IDPs) camps across the country, particularly in northern Nigeria, have become a painful reminder of the government’s inability to adequately protect citizens.

“Today is World Refugee Day, yet millions of Nigerians have become refugees in their own country,” Obi said.

He noted that many of the camps housing displaced persons remain grossly underfunded and lack basic facilities required to support thousands of victims of violence and insecurity.

According to the former Anambra State governor, displaced families continue to struggle daily for access to food, healthcare, education and other essential services.

“For many, survival has become their only reality,” he said.

Obi lamented the increasing incidents of school abductions, kidnappings and attacks on rural communities, saying the worsening security situation has forced many farmers to abandon their farmlands while families flee in search of safety.

“Children are abducted from schools. Families are forced to flee their homes. Farmers abandon their lands. Citizens live in fear of kidnapping and violence,” he stated.

He warned that the continued spread of insecurity across various parts of the country has diminished the prospects of displaced persons returning to their communities and rebuilding their lives.

According to the principal advocate of ‘A New Nigeria is Possible,’ the situation is unacceptable and requires urgent action from the government and security agencies.

He urged Nigerians and the international community to remember that behind every displacement statistic is a human story of loss, hardship and uncertainty.

“On this World Refugee Day, we must remember that behind every statistic is a human life disrupted, a family uprooted and a future put on hold,” he said.

Obi stressed that every Nigerian deserves safety, dignity and the opportunity to live peacefully without fear of violence or forced displacement.

He reiterated his call for stronger efforts to tackle insecurity and create conditions that would allow displaced citizens to return home and rebuild their lives.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation has reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to deepening democratic governance and fostering national unity as Nigeria prepares to mark its 27th Democracy Day Celebration on June 12, 2026.

In a statement signed by Honourable Minister Mohammed Idris, the Ministry noted that the solemn Juma’at service held today was a reminder that Nigeria’s progress, unity, and stability require not only good governance but also the prayers, support, and active participation of all citizens.

The statement paid tribute to the sacrifices of Nigeria’s democratic heroes, particularly Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola, whose courage and resilience remain enduring symbols of the nation’s democratic journey. It emphasised that Democracy Day is both a celebration of Nigeria’s democratic institutions and a reflection of the collective commitment of Nigerians to constitutional rule.

Highlighting 27 years of uninterrupted democratic governance, the Ministry described this milestone as a testament to the resilience of Nigeria’s democracy and the determination of its people to uphold democratic values.

Under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the Federal Government pledged to continue strengthening democratic governance, promoting unity, and addressing national challenges.

“As we celebrate Democracy Day, let us renew our commitment to unity, peaceful coexistence, and responsible citizenship,” the statement read. “Nigeria’s strength lies in our diversity, and our future depends on our ability to work together in the interest of our nation. Let us reject division, embrace dialogue, and promote values that strengthen our democracy and foster national cohesion.”

The Ministry prayed for enduring peace, unity, and prosperity, beseeching God Almighty to bless Nigeria, guide its leaders, protect its security personnel, and sustain the nation’s democratic journey.

KAFANCHAN, Nigeria (NPA) — The Minister of Defence, retired Gen. Christopher Musa, has called for greater unity and community support to sustain the improving security situation in Southern Kaduna.

Musa made the call on Saturday while speaking on the sidelines of the Southern Kaduna Festival (SKFEST) 2026 in Kafanchan.

The minister said that although security agencies had recorded significant progress in tackling insecurity, lasting peace could only be achieved through cooperation between residents and security forces.

“The Armed Forces and other security agencies cannot do it alone. We need the cooperation of the communities. When the people support us, success is assured,” he said.

He urged residents to remain vigilant and provide credible information that could help security agencies identify and apprehend criminal elements and their collaborators.

“We must identify those within us who are helping criminals. When you see something wrong, report it promptly and action will be taken,” Musa added.

Commenting on the performance of the Federal Government, the Defence Minister commended President Bola Tinubu for implementing reforms aimed at addressing long-standing national challenges.

According to him, while some of the reforms may present short-term difficulties, they are expected to deliver long-term benefits for the country.

“What we are going through is a process that will make us stronger as a nation. Nigerians should remain patient and continue to support government efforts,” he said.

Musa, who was honoured at the festival with the Southern Kaduna Grand Commander (SKGC) award, pledged to remain committed to national service and the promotion of peace and security.

“Expect more work, more commitment and more dedication. Our goal remains a safer, peaceful and better Nigeria,” he said.

Reacting to the award, Musa described the recognition as both an honour and a call to greater service.

“I am deeply humbled and profoundly honoured to receive this prestigious award. I accept it with gratitude, humility and a renewed commitment to service.

“This award belongs not only to me but to all hardworking sons and daughters of Southern Kaduna who continue to serve with dedication. Progress is the product of collective vision, shared sacrifice and sustained collaboration,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the award was presented in recognition of Musa’s contributions to national security, peacebuilding and his representation of Southern Kaduna at national and international levels.

The festival featured cultural displays, musical performances, exhibitions and tourism showcases, attracting dignitaries, traditional rulers and visitors from across the country.

(NAN)