FEATURES

FEATURES

Ahead of the Christmas and New Year festivities, costs of basic food items have skyrocketed, raising apprehension among Nigerians, Daily Trust report.

This is as many civil servants, who spoke to our correspondents in different states of the country, said celebrations would be low-key.

Many of them also that said they were awaiting their December salaries.

Checks by Daily Trust in major markets showed a sharp rise in prices of chickens, turkeys, cows, groundnut oil and other commodities.

This is amidst the cost of living crisis in the country, which is believed to have been triggered by the present administration’s policies of petrol subsidy removal and currency floating.

The latest report from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showed Nigeria’s headline inflation increasing to 34.60 per cent in the month of November.

For food inflation, the NBS said it increased to 39.93 per cent on a year-on-year basis, 7.08 per cent points higher than the rate recorded in November 2023 (32.84 per cent).

Checks by our reporters in markets in parts of the country showed that price of turkey has increased by 30 per cent compared to what it was around this time last year.

At Utako and Wuse markets in Abuja, the price of local turkey ranged from N85, 000 to N130, 000 depending on the size; and that of “agric” turkey, from N110, 000 to N140, 000.

Some of the sellers attributed the hike to high cost of transportation and feeding.

In Plateau State, a seller of chickens and turkeys at the Railway Market, Ibrahim Musa, said: “We have prices ranging from N8, 000 to N25, 000 for chickens; while turkeys cost between N70, 000 and N110,000. The current prices are discouraging people from buying, resulting in low patronage. Even during peak season when we expect a huge market, sales are slow.”

At the New Market, sellers of groundnut oil also confirmed the price increase. One of them, Abba Shehu, said: “A five-litre gallon costs N18, 000. We were informed that the increase in groundnut prices is the reason for the surge in oil prices.”

According to the chairman of the Cattle Market in Jos, Malam Rabiu Muhammad, the price of cows is also very expensive.

He said, “At the moment, we have cows selling for N1.5 million in the market. The price ranges from N700, 000 to N1.5 million, depending on the size. The price is really affecting the market.”

At the Wadata and Modern markets in Makurdi, Benue State, a chicken sells for between N15,000 and N22,000; and turkey, N65,000.

A four-litre bottle of cooking oil is not N19,000 and N22,000, depending on the brand.

A civil servant in the state, Olije Edward, said the thought of celebrating Christmas is bittersweet as her entire salary could barely buy a turkey or three modest chickens.

She asked: “How can we celebrate properly when everything is this expensive? What should be a season of celebration has instead become a period of anxiety for many families like mine in Benue who are forced to stretch their limited resources even further.”

At major markets in Agege and Mushin, Lagos, prices of chickens, turkeys and groundnut oil have equally gone up, with a cow selling for as much as between N1 million and N1.5 million depending on the size; chicken, between N13,000 and N15,000; groundnut oil (King) of 25kg, N100,000 and Golden terra, N95,000.

In Bayelsa, the rising costs of chicken, turkey, groundnut oil, goats and other food items are making residents to consider a low-key Christmas and New Year celebrations.

At Swali Market in Yenagoa, a turkey goes for N65,000; chicken, N25,000, five litres of groundnut oil, N25,000 and goat, between N80,000 and N90,000, depending on the size.

A civil servant in the state, who identified herself as Ebitare, said: “Things are very costly in the market, even the N80, 000 minimum wage promised by the government is not yet paid, we are still expecting it, because the government promised to start paying from this month.

“We don’t even know how to celebrate this Christmas, but anyhow it is, we will adopt low-key celebration, the most important thing is that God has preserved our lives to see another Christmas and we will still continue to celebrate more Christmas.”

Dr, Muda Yusuf, an economist and Chief Executive Officer, Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprises (CPPE), commented on the situation, saying “Energy cost is an issue, transportation cost is an issue.

“Also, there is the issue of insecurity which has affected farming activities. Many of our farmers have been displaced. Many of them have abandoned their farms. The way we also manage our fiscal deficit is important. The level of borrowing is heating up the economy,” he said.

In a landmark moment for Africa’s creative and tech industries, Singapore’s TSC Global and Nigeria’s Del-York Group have signed a $4.5 billion joint venture agreement, marking the largest investment in Africa’s creative sector to date. The signing ceremony, held in Singapore and attended virtually by Lagos State Governor, His Excellency Babajide Sanwo-Olu, heralds the development of Lagos Film City (Kebulania), a project poised to position Lagos as a global hub for film, media, and technology.

“Lagos Film City (Kebulania) represents Lagos State’s vision for creative excellence and technological innovation,” remarked Sanwo-Olu. “This investment will transform our creative landscape while creating groundbreaking opportunities for our talented youth. This development demonstrates our commitment to positioning Lagos as Africa’s premier creative capital.” He credited Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu’s leadership and the state’s Creative Industry Policy for facilitating this transformative partnership.

Under the new partnership, TSC Global will bring its expertise in sustainable, high-performance technical infrastructure, an area where the company is known globally. Linus Idahosa, CEO of Del-York Group, serves as the lead developer of the project and is dedicated to building ecosystems that fuel Africa’s creative industry. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed with the Lagos State Government in 2022, and a groundbreaking ceremony was held at the Epe site last year. Architectural work will begin in early 2025, followed by construction in the second quarter.

“Today marks Africa’s emphatic entry into global creative and technological leadership,” said Idahosa at the signing ceremony.

“Kebulania stands as a testament to what is possible when visionary leadership at both national and state levels creates an enabling environment for transformative investments. With the unwavering support of the Lagos State Government, alongside our partners, we are building more than an infrastructure – we are creating a legacy that will empower generations of African creators and innovators.”

Michael Dickerson, CEO of TSC Global, highlighted the strategic significance: ‘Our $4.5 billion Joint Venture bridges Africa and the world, creating unparalleled opportunities for creative and technological collaboration between continents. Together with the Del-York Group, we are creating a new model for creative industry development that will resonate globally.”

The Kebulania project is expected to generate over 10,000 direct jobs and 25,000 indirect employment opportunities, contributing more than $3.5 billion annually to Nigeria’s creative economy. It will also offer 50,000 training positions and boost foreign exchange earnings through international film and media productions.

A minimum of 10 people, including children, are feared dead, with several others injured following a stampede at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja, on the morning of Saturday, December 21.

The chaos unfolded as thousands of residents rushed to collect palliatives being distributed by the church.

The event, intended to provide relief to struggling community members, attracted over 3,000 people, mainly from Mpape, Gishiri Village, and surrounding areas.

Padre Mike Nsikak Umoh, the National Director of Social Communications at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, confirmed the tragic incident and announced the suspension of the palliative distribution.

“Yes it’s true but with sketchy details,” Umoh said.

An eyewitness recounted the scene as both chaotic and heartbreaking, with reports indicating that at least seven of the victims were children.

Many attendees had arrived as early as 4:00 AM, eager to secure palliatives.

The stampede took place between 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM when the crowd surged uncontrollably.

“10 people have been reported dead, including children. We just received a call that they have passed on.

“Over 3,000 people came out to receive the palliative. It’s unfortunate. Some of them arrived as early as 4:00 AM. Most of those present were residents of Mpape, Gishiri Village, and other nearby settlements.

“The stampede occurred between 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM. The distribution of palliatives has been suspended indefinitely, and people are dispersing. May God receive the souls of the departed and protect us from harm,” the eyewitness said.

In an effort to regain control, a joint team of police, military, and DSS officers was swiftly deployed to restore order and disperse the crowd.

As security personnel enforced the suspension of the event, the church premises, once filled with anxious attendees, gradually cleared.

This tragedy echoes a similar one that occurred just days earlier in Ibadan, Oyo State, where a stampede at a children’s funfair claimed the lives of at least 35 children and left six others critically injured.

The incident, which took place at the Islamic High School in Bashorun, Ibadan, unfolded when over 5,000 children rushed to collect food and gifts distributed by the organizers.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has slashed the ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, from ₦1,020 to ₦899 per litre.

This adjustment follows a similar move by the Dangote Refinery, which recently reduced its petrol price to ₦899 per litre.

 

The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) confirmed this development in a statement released on Saturday.

Signed by PETROAN’s National Public Relations Officer, Dr. Joseph Obele, the statement referenced a document issued by NNPCL’s Commercial Department detailing the price adjustment under the regional pricing framework.

Marketers will now purchase PMS at ₦899 per litre, aligning with the price set by the Dangote Refinery.

However, buyers sourcing from locations such as Warri, Oghara, Port Harcourt, and Calabar will pay ₦970 per litre.

The statement read, “The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has taken a significant step in response to the competitive impact of deregulation in the downstream sector.

“The company recently reduced the ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit from ₦1,020 to ₦899 per litre.

“The price reduction by NNPCL is seen as a response to the competitive impact of deregulation, which has led to increased competition in the downstream sector.”

Dr. Obele noted that the decision demonstrates the growing influence of deregulation on the oil and gas market, fostering increased competition among stakeholders.

He expressed optimism that petrol prices would decline further before the end of January 2025 due to falling crude oil prices globally and the naira’s recent appreciation against the dollar.

He described the current trend as a “price war,” underscoring the benefits of competition and advocating for the full privatization of government-owned refineries to further enhance market efficiency.

Reacting to the development, the National President of PETROAN, Billy Harry, commended the NNPCL for prioritizing affordability during the holiday season.

The reduction in PMS price by NNPCL is a demonstration of the company’s commitment to making petroleum products more affordable for Nigerians.

“We commend NNPCL for responding to our call for affordable PMS prices,” Harry said.

He highlighted key benefits for consumers: “Reduced transportation costs: With lower PMS prices, motorists will spend less on fuel, leading to increased disposable income.

Increased economic activity: Lower fuel prices will stimulate economic growth by reducing production costs and increasing demand for goods and services.

“Improved standard of living: The price reduction will lead to a decrease in the cost of living, enabling Nigerians to afford necessities and enjoy a better quality of life.” 

Harry also applauded Dangote Refinery for its earlier price cut, crediting it with driving healthy competition in the downstream sector.

While praising the benefits of competitive pricing, PETROAN raised concerns about potential risks to product quality.

Dr. Obele urged the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to enforce strict quality assurance measures to protect consumers.

“PETROAN is calling on the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority to ensure compliance with quality assurance standards which may arise due to competitive pricing,” he warned.

Meanwhile, NNPCL spokesperson Femi Soneye has yet to confirm this development officially.

[NaijaNews]

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has slashed the ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, from ₦1,020 to ₦899 per litre.

This adjustment follows a similar move by the Dangote Refinery, which recently reduced its petrol price to ₦899 per litre.

 

The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) confirmed this development in a statement released on Saturday.

Signed by PETROAN’s National Public Relations Officer, Dr. Joseph Obele, the statement referenced a document issued by NNPCL’s Commercial Department detailing the price adjustment under the regional pricing framework.

Marketers will now purchase PMS at ₦899 per litre, aligning with the price set by the Dangote Refinery.

However, buyers sourcing from locations such as Warri, Oghara, Port Harcourt, and Calabar will pay ₦970 per litre.

The statement read, “The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has taken a significant step in response to the competitive impact of deregulation in the downstream sector.

“The company recently reduced the ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit from ₦1,020 to ₦899 per litre.

“The price reduction by NNPCL is seen as a response to the competitive impact of deregulation, which has led to increased competition in the downstream sector.”

Dr. Obele noted that the decision demonstrates the growing influence of deregulation on the oil and gas market, fostering increased competition among stakeholders.

He expressed optimism that petrol prices would decline further before the end of January 2025 due to falling crude oil prices globally and the naira’s recent appreciation against the dollar.

He described the current trend as a “price war,” underscoring the benefits of competition and advocating for the full privatization of government-owned refineries to further enhance market efficiency.

Reacting to the development, the National President of PETROAN, Billy Harry, commended the NNPCL for prioritizing affordability during the holiday season.

The reduction in PMS price by NNPCL is a demonstration of the company’s commitment to making petroleum products more affordable for Nigerians.

“We commend NNPCL for responding to our call for affordable PMS prices,” Harry said.

He highlighted key benefits for consumers: “Reduced transportation costs: With lower PMS prices, motorists will spend less on fuel, leading to increased disposable income.

Increased economic activity: Lower fuel prices will stimulate economic growth by reducing production costs and increasing demand for goods and services.

“Improved standard of living: The price reduction will lead to a decrease in the cost of living, enabling Nigerians to afford necessities and enjoy a better quality of life.” 

Harry also applauded Dangote Refinery for its earlier price cut, crediting it with driving healthy competition in the downstream sector.

While praising the benefits of competitive pricing, PETROAN raised concerns about potential risks to product quality.

Dr. Obele urged the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to enforce strict quality assurance measures to protect consumers.

“PETROAN is calling on the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority to ensure compliance with quality assurance standards which may arise due to competitive pricing,” he warned.

Meanwhile, NNPCL spokesperson Femi Soneye has yet to confirm this development officially.

[NaijaNews]

The CEO of Vaneck a $115 billion asset manager said Bitcoin will continue its bullish momentum next year, targeting another uptick to between $150,000 and $170,000 

Bitcoin has performed outstandingly in 2024, recording an impressive 124.4% uptrend since this year. Notably, the digital asset’s hefty upsides trounce those of major traditional assets like gold and US stocks. 

Meanwhile, a notable market expert has inferred that Bitcoin will continue its impressive run next year. In a recent statement, Jan Van Eck, Vaneck’s chief executive officer, stated that Bitcoin will put in another remarkable performance in 2025. 

 

Bitcoin to $170,000 per Coin 

The CEO of the $115 billion asset manager said Bitcoin will continue its bullish momentum next year, targeting another uptick to between $150,000 and $170,000. Furthermore, Van Eck urged market participants to buy Bitcoin and gold as a hedge against fiscal uncertainties.

Meanwhile, his assertions nearly correlate with VanEck’s official Bitcoin forecast for 2025. Last week, the US Bitcoin spot ETF issuer predicted that Bitcoin would hit $180,000 while Ethereum would be worth $6,000.

Bitcoin Drops to $98,000 despite Positive Prediction  

Bitcoin the flagship crypto asset dropped to $95,000 yesterday following Data coming from the FOMC on Fed rate cuts. The flagship crypto asset hit its new all time high of $108,372 three days ago but dumped to $95,000 in the 72 hours.

  • At the time of the report, Bitcoin has corrected to $98,300 surging by 3.8% in the last 24 hours.
  • VanEck CEO’s prediction aligns with an earlier prediction of Bitcoin crossing the $100,000 mark before the end of the year.
  • The prediction was made by analysts in November during the Bull run but the crypto asset failed to breach the psychological barrier that month.

The long-awaited event occurred in the first week of December with Bitcoin breaching the $100,000 mark to $103,000. The asset surged to $108,000 before slumping to $95,000 three days ago.

Bitcoin price Analysis  

Bitcoin is currently exchanging hands for $98,518 surging by 3.8% in the last 24 hours. The crypto asset has dipped by 8.9% from its all-time high with a maximum price of $99,496 and a minimum price of $92,495.

What to Know  

  • Bitcoin Exchange Traded funds recorded massive outflows on Thursday losing $617 million in just 24 hours. Blackrock’s IBIT the largest Bitcoin ETF by market capitalization recorded no inflows for the day.
  • Exchange Traded Funds creates an opportunity for institutional investors to invest in cryptocurrencies without actually owning them. Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs are the only available Exchange Traded Funds at the moment.
  • There are speculations of a Solana and XRP Exchange Traded Funds in the horizon as both crypto assets are the next in line according to the list of top crypto assets by market capitalization.

[Nairametrics]

The election petition tribunal sitting in Benin City has disclosed that Asue Ighodalo, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, the All Progressives Congress, APC, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and Governor Monday Okpebholo will be calling 290 witnesses during the hearing of their petition.

DAILY POST reports that the tribunal is adjudicating on the declaration of Monday Okpebholo, the candidate of APC winner of the last September 21, 2024 governorship election in Edo State by Asue Ighodalo, the PDP candidate.

Asue Ighodalo and his party, PDP are challenging the declaration of Monday Okpebholo and his party winner of the election by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

DAILY POST reports that the chairman of the three-man tribunal, Justice Wilfred Ikpochi disclosed this at the weekend during the presentation of the pre-hearing reports and scheduling to parties in the petition.

Ikpochi did not, however, give the breakdown of the number of witnesses that each of the petitioners and respondents would call during the trial.

He said the 290 witnesses were proposed by the parties in the harmonized proposal for the pre-hearing conference.

He said the parties will only call witnesses whose statements on oath have been frontloaded and subpoenaed witnesses where necessary.

The court added that the petitioners shall call their witnesses within 21 days or less while each of the respondents shall be allowed 10 days or less to call their witnesses.

“The parties may call expert witnesses as indicated in their pre-hearing answers.

“All pleading documents shall be rendered and admitted by the tribunal while objections thereto shall be filled separately during final addresses. Objections to such documents during trial shall be noted and rulings reserved appropriately, “he said.

He also added that all frivolous and unnecessary applications for adjournments shall not be granted by the tribunal as the election petitions are time-bound.

According to him, whenever, it becomes very expedient to fast-track the proceedings, the tribunal shall bridge the time for doing anything in accordance with the rules as prescribed by the Electoral Act 2022.

Justice Kpochi, further added that on no account should any written address filed by counsel be more than 40 pages.

He said the address should be of double spacing format with 14 font size.

He, however, advised all counsel to imbibe the spirit of good brief writing in compliance with the Electoral Act, 2022.

Others presented in the reports by the tribunal are that there shall be no consolidation of the petition with any other petition as there was no application in respect thereof and there shall be no amendment of amendment as none is required.

“There shall be no further particulars or admissions save the application by the petitioners for interrogatories directed to the INEC, Monday Okpebholo as first and second respondents requesting for particulars articulated in the copies of the proposed interrogatories that have been filed along with the application in motion No-EPT/ED/GOV/02/M10/2024 filed on December 6, 2024, that has been granted.

The tribunal chairman, who adjourned to January 13, 2025, for hearing, said the court shall be sitting from day to day from 10am except on Sundays and other public holidays gazetted by law.

He, however, stated that the sitting period is subject to reviews as the exigencies of the workload permit.

[DailyPost]

No fewer than 27 people were feared dead following a stampede in Okija, Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State

The tragic incident occurred during a Christmas rice distribution event organized by a local foundation to aid the less privileged.

The annual charity event, spearheaded by philanthropist and Chieftain of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Ernest Obiejesi, known as Obijackson, turned deadly due to the overwhelming crowd. 

An eyewitness, who spoke to The Nation, described how the good intentions behind the event were overshadowed by the chaos that ensued.

The source confirmed a viral video showing the tragic scene and expressed disbelief over the actions of the crowd. 

“Hunger has made some people ‘stupid’. Why were they fighting and rushing for rice that would have been enough for everyone, no matter how many people came?” the eyewitness said, adding that Obijackson’s Foundation has consistently provided excess rice every year, with people from neighboring states also benefiting. “The stampede was caused by impatience.”

 

Several injured victims were rushed to the local hospital, while the bodies of the deceased were taken to the morgue. 

It was gathered that the incident also affected the state government, as one aide to Governor Prof. Chukwuma Soludo reportedly lost two relatives in the stampede. 

The aide, a former member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from the local government, was deeply affected by the loss.

The state police public relations officer, Tochukwu Ikenga, could not be reached for comment, but a senior police officer confirmed the incident. 

“Yes, it’s true. The Commissioner of Police, Obono Itam, has already dispatched officers to the site,” the officer said, adding, “The stampede likely resulted from the crowd’s rush, but the command will begin an investigation immediately. It was a pure accident, and we deeply sympathize with the affected families.”

[TheNation]

Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has expressed sorrow and concern over the tragic stampedes in Anambra State and Abuja that claimed the lives of many individuals on Saturday.

In a statement on X.com on Saturday, Obi stated that the stampedes, which occurred during the distribution of food and palliatives to citizens, highlighted the socio-economic challenges in Nigeria.

Obi wrote, “I am deeply saddened and distressed by the tragic loss of lives in desperate searches for food. A few days ago, about 35 people, mostly children, lost their lives in a stampede at a Christmas Funfair in Ibadan, Oyo State.

“This morning, reports emerged of at least 10 people losing their lives in Abuja while scrambling for palliatives, with many others injured.

“Now, I just heard that about 19 more lives were lost in another stampede in Okija, Anambra State, as people struggled to receive food items.”

While appreciating the organisers of the events for their kind gestures in providing support to the needy, Obi stated that the incidents were reflective of systemic failures within the country.

“While I will not cast blame, but instead appreciate the organisers of these respective events for their kind gestures in providing palliatives and support to society, especially the poor, these tragedies reflect the systemic failures that plague our society.

“The desperate quest for survival in these harsh economic times has driven our people to extremes in their search for food, often at the cost of their lives,” he added.

 

Obi questioned the paradox of widespread hunger in a nation so abundantly blessed with resources.

He wrote, “How do we explain that in a nation blessed with abundant resources, our people are dying of hunger in such numbers? How is it possible that we cannot feed our citizens despite the vast, fertile lands our nation is endowed with? My heart bleeds.”

He also empathised with the states involved and the affected families, saying, “One can only imagine the pain their families are enduring at this moment. My heart goes out to them.

“I sincerely commiserate with all the affected families and the good people of Oyo, Anambra, and the FCT over these tragic incidents. May God grant them, and all of us, the strength to bear these painful losses.”

“May God Almighty grant the departed souls eternal rest, and may the injured recover swiftly.”

PUNCH Online reports that no fewer than 10 individuals, including children, died in a stampede that occurred during a food distribution event at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama, Abuja on Saturday.

Similarly, some yet-to-be-confirmed number of persons were feared dead following a stampede that occurred during the sharing of palliatives at the gate of the Obijackson Centre, in Okija, in the Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, on Saturday.

This incidents follows the death of 35 children during a stampede at a funfair in Ibadan, Oyo State on Wednesday.

[Punch]

Igwe Laz Ekwueme, Eze Ijikara II of Oko is one of the foremost traditional rulers in Igbo land.  In this exclusive interview with Saturday Vanguard, Igwe Ekwueme spoke about the problems facing the traditional institution in Anambra State, the reason  he has not been able to celebrate his Ofala festival for the past 20 years, as well as the infamous gully erosion that is threatening his Palace and how he chose to study Music. 

Igwe, what was the past like?

 

I was born in Oko. My father was a church teacher. We were four boys and three girls. The girls died in infancy. My elder brother died at young age and we were left with three boys. One was Dr. Alex Ekwueme, I am in the middle and my younger brother is Obumneme Ekwueme who is a surgeon at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Enugu.

Ekwueme, our grandfather, had five wives and my mother was the second wife. When the church came, they went to the traditional rulers, and asked them to send their children to schools. My grandfather felt that the idea of Christianity didn’t vary much from the traditional beliefs. So he sent his younger children to school. So, my father and the other younger children went to school and that was how Ekwueme became an educated family in this area.

My late uncle went to DMGS, Onitsha, my eldest brother went to DMGS, Alex went to Kings College and I went to Government College, Umuahia. Obuneme went to Igbobi College, Lagos. Alex later went to the USA, to study Architecture and many other degrees in seven different subjects. I went to England to study music and my younger brother went to University College, Ibadan and collected 90% of prizes in Medicine there. 

In Ekweme family we have 14 Medical Doctors, seven Lawyers, 11 Engineers, four Pharmacists, eight Architects. We have other professions in the family, including Education, Accountancy and even Religious priest. It’s a large family and God has blessed us in many ways. We were not endowed with money, but we were lucky to have acquired education. Alex went to America on scholarship, I went to England on scholarship, my younger brother after Ibadan went to England for further studies on scholarship. My first son is an Architect and his first son has 1st Class Honours in Engineering from a University in England. We are a religious family of Anglican Church, courtesy of my father.

What inspired you to study music at the time you did because music was not a popular course then?

I went to study music almost by chance. I was much more interested in Drama. As a young person and good looking, I had the ambition of being a film star. I couldn’t take lessons in Drama in Nigeria although there were competitions, like the Festival or Arts and I got prizes in many of them. But I got a Federal Scholarship to study music in England. While studying music, I did not leave Drama, Literature and other aspects of human creativity, including Fine Arts. I conducted choirs in England and America and sang in many churches abroad, including in  Jewish Temple churches.

As the first Professor of Music in Africa, what did you do to change African Music?

I made my contributions in whatever way I could. Music is either you write it, play it or practice music. Or you teach music. I have composed quite a few pieces of music, both local instrumental, choral and solo. I have set up choristers in various parts of the world and conducted choral singing in many places. I have published over 20 books in various branches of music and Drama and other aspects of education. That was why I was awarded the Nigerian National Order of Merit (NNOM).

What was your proudest moment as a young man?

It could be the fact that I studied music up to the level I did because most Nigerians did not get up to that level. To have a B. A Mus in England in those days was something very big. And I went to teach at University of Nigeria, Nsukka as a young Lecturer for two years and I got another fellowship to go to America for Ph.D. I conducted the choir at St. Barth’s Enugu at the age of 20 years.

As one of the foremost traditional rulers in Igbo land who everyone would be seeking your views on issues concerning culture and tradition, can you tell us the history of traditional institution in this part of the country?

In other communities in Igbo land, the ways of life revolve around the traditions in Anambra State. Anambra is a community of people who cluster together and how they came together is not quite clear. Every village or community has its own story or narration. Some say they came from Igala land, others say they came from Benin. But nobody is sure of anything. But there was a traditional medicine man called Ezechina who travelled and lived in Benin for many years and the Oba handed him many things. However, an Oba who didn’t like Ezechina mounted the throne and Igbo people had to run away and they came back to the East where they were originally from. There were other stories about origin of the Igbo. Many believed that Nri was the source of Igbo land because they performed rituals. Anywhere there was trouble, they were called to perform the ritual and often acquired land there. So they had a lot of influence spiritually and materially. So many Igbo communities had ancestries in Nri. Apart from Arochukwu, there is hardly any part of Igbo that doesn’t have a trace to Nri. Agu Ukwu, Enugwu Ukwu, Nawfia and Enugwu Agidi are sons of Nri. So, many people migrated from many places to settle where they are presently. 

In Oko, for instance, because of the growth of the town due to the educational establishments, the markets, the industrialization, many people migrated to the town and have, as it were, become indigenes of Oko because this is where they were born. Many people from Nsukka and Abakaliki have settled here and they enjoy all rights and privileges.

What have been your challenges as a traditional ruler?   

It’s somewhat a checkered history because there has been a tradition of hierarchy in Oko. We have six villages in Oko and there is also seniority within the villages. Ezioko is first and if something is being shared, Ezioko will take first. In Ezioko, there are certain quarters Umuomodo, Etiti, Okoto in that order. If you come to Umuomodo, Umuezeokwe must take first. Traditionally, Umuzokwe has played the leading role in kingship.

 My uncle whom I succeeded was Igwe Ekweme the III. Ezeoko produces the king, but our people are amending the constitution which may prevent Ezioko from producing the king. I am not worried about who comes after me. When my uncle who was the Igwe died, I gave a gap before I assumed the office. My elder brother, Dr. Alex Ekwueme, would have been the one but he asked me to take over because he was involved in politics. People were lobbing him but he said I should take it. It has not been easy and the challenges have been enormous. The Igwes no longer command the respect they used to enjoy. All the rights and privileges they used to enjoy are no longer there. Instead, they come to see what they can get from you.

One of the challenges I had faced came from the authorities of the Federal Polytechnic which was established by Dr. Alex Ekwueme which many people made a money spinner for themselves. Instead of using it to develop academics and the town, they see it as a gold mine and it had caused a lot of problems. 

My last Ofala was over 20 years ago because of disunity in the town, but we will have one in January, 2025. Even annual Iwaji could not hold for a long period. However, we are now in a period of restoration.

.How has your position as a nollywood actor, an academician, a musicologist and a traditional ruler, been influencing your person?

Part of the problem is that I am a person interested in too many things. In fact, it retarded my academic progress because if I had concentrated on academics, I would have moved faster. I was involved in music, drama, sports. I was a champion boxer, I was in martial arts. I did sciences in higher school and ended up studying music because I got a scholarship. I was even a lay reader in the church in 1956 and a choir master of the Old Niger Diocese which included Benin, Owerri, Enugu and I took St. Barths choir Enugu to competitions and won laurels. My interest in music was because I was taught music at Government College, Umuahia by a white man.

When you are in a film set, do those you act with give you respect as a traditional ruler or just treat you as an ordinary person? 

Well, we are there to play our parts irrespective of who you are. If you are asked to play the role of a slave, you have to do it even if you are a king. But outside the set, you get your respect, although many of them would think that because you are a king, you should give them something. The important thing is for one to do his part and that is what drama is all about. But because I happen to be a traditional ruler I played the role of Monarch in a lot of films. But I started doing that even before I became a traditional ruler. But generally I had played the role of a priest, traditional ruler, businessman. They gave me affluent positions because they want someone who can interpret well and come with dignity and without pretence. Yes, it does affect the part one plays, but not in all cases.

Do your colleagues in the Traditional Rulers Council complain about your acting films?

Yes, many of them condemn my acting on set and say it’s a misconduct on my part. But I pity them because it is lack of education on their part. I practice a profession like others. You cannot tell an Igwe who is a doctor not to practice medicine or a lawyer who is an Igwe not to go to court. Some of the Igwes said I should not be entertaining people. Anyway, I am now too old to take active part in acting. 

Does being a brother to one of Nigerian’s foremost politicians, Dr. Alex Ekwueme, affect your governing Oko as a traditional ruler?

Naturally some people felt that I was carrying on as an aristocrat. I come from a Royal family and there is nothing people can do about it. They felt I was like that because my brother was a Vice President, but that was not true. If for anything, I even suffered because of it. There was nothing I got that others did not get. I got NNOM on merit, and not because I was Dr. Alex Ekwueme’s brother. And I am a first class monarch. Chukwuemeka Ike later got NNOM. There might have been advantages I enjoyed for Alex being my brother, but there seemed to be more disadvantages. There were things I was entitled to but people thought I already had them because of my brother. People won’t offer you gifts because they think you are rich. People assume that I am rich, but I am not. I didn’t have money. Someone might propose you to be chairman of something, but some people world say, oh he doesn’t need it. For instance, why should I not have been Vice Chairman of Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council? Chukwuemeka Ike who became a traditional ruler seven years after I had been on the throne, became the Vice Chairman. Even when Ike passed on they gave it to somebody else. I didn’t have to request for it.

The State Traditional Rulers Council appears to be in limbo at the moment. What is happening?

The cause of the matter was that past governments selected members of the traditional rulers council. For instance we are about 200 traditional rulers in Anambra State, but government selected only 60 for the state council. The three senatorial zones have zonal forum and Local Government council and everyone belongs to them. But the central one was selected by the governor and he handpicked the members. For example, Ekwusigo local government has only four towns and three from there are members of the council. Nnewi North is one town LG, Onitsha is a two- town LG, Orumba North has 16 communities and by the time Ike died, I was the only member from Orumba North local government and the governor should have appointed the Deputy Chairman from Orumba North. Awka South had six patrons, and Orumba North had no patron. Igwe Aguleri passed on and his successor was made a patron on assumption of office. That sort of thing was something beyond the traditional rulers. Last year, the governor told us that he found out that the law provides that every traditional ruler should be a member of the state traditional ruler’s council and that the law should be amended. But that amendment never took place. It’s over a year and nothing has happened. Many people are displeased about it and the allowance we get is off. We were sitting two times a month. The chairman was getting N100,000, the grand patron gets N75,000, the secretary gets N50,000, the Vice chairmen get N50,000 while the rest get N30,000.

So many of the traditional rulers are unhappy because, for example, if you have to travel from Owerri Ezukala to Awka for a meeting, you need your transportation reimbursed at least, especially when many of the traditional rulers do not have other sources of income. Some of them who are successful businessmen don’t care. So many have been disgruntled and that is part of the problem. 

Culturally speaking, are there things you think Igbo people are not doing right?

Indeed there are things we are not doing right. We misplace our priorities and emphasizing on money all the time. We seem to have abandoned honesty, truth and justice, fair play. Oko has been somewhat lucky that there is no battle between the traditional ruler and the PG but many communities have that problem. I am not someone that goes about seeking power. They battled me in the past and set traps and even tried to kill me. But God has been on my side. I believe that with the Ofala we are planning, a lasting peace will return in Oko after 20 years. We couldn’t celebrate Ofala because of lack of peace. The forthcoming Ofala is to cement peace in the town.

The gully erosion had been a problem in Oko to the extent that your palace is also being threatened. What is the situation?  

The problem is still there, not because the government is unwilling to do something about it, but because government is unable to do anything. It is an enormous problem. The World Band had been approached and they sent a team through NEWMAP which did a lot of survey here. If you walk behind this palace you will see it. We are only living by prayers and keep hoping that something will be done, but nothing has been done. There is hope that the governor will do something about it and he had taken steps to do something about it. It is not just Oko as many other communities are affected.

Governor Soludo has banned sand mining in Oko and other communities because it causes gully erosion. Are your people still doing it?

Some people are still doing it clandestinely and some of them have been arrested. But those who are caught face the consequences.

If you are asked to name one thing you want government to do for your community, what will that be?

Erosion and roads are our main problems. There are parts of Orumba North that are inaccessible such as Ndi Okolo, Ndi Okpalaeke because of gully erosion. We will be very happy if the problem of erosion is tackled

[Vanguard]