…As Tournament Train Lands in Sagbama LGA
Krusaders FC of Peretorugbene have been dethroned as Ekeremor Local Government Area champions in Nigeria’s biggest grassroots football spectacle, the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament, tagged the Prosperity Cup.
Osunmaibio FC of Osunmaibio beat Krusaders FC 8-7 in a dramatic penalty shootout to emerge champions of Ekeremor LGA for the first time after a one-all draw in regulation time in an encounter decided at the Ayamasa community pitch.
Osunmaibio FC have now joined Okoroma United and Movers FC, who won the Nembe and Ogbia LGA finals respectively.
Bada Jude put Osunmaibio FC ahead on 62 minutes from a beautiful finish to silence favourites, Krusaders FC’s fans who were playing in the finals of the LGA for the third consecutive time having won the last two editions.
When it seemed Osunmaibio FC were coasting home to victory, Clinton Joseph leveled the scoreline to send the encounter into penalty shootout.
Champions, Osunmaibio FC were rewarded with a cash prize of ₦1,000,000, while runners-up Krusaders FC got ₦500,000.
In a remark, chairman of the House Committee on Sports and member representing Ekeremor Constituency One in the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Hon Tare Porri, commended the governor, Senator Douye Diri for sustaining the tournament since he assumed office.
He noted that apart from winning trophies and prize money, the competition has become a launchpad to national development, stating that the governor’s passion was the reason behind the state’s numerous achievements in the sports sector.
Hon Porri equally appreciated the Ono Akpe-led Central Organizing Committee, COC of the tournament for the yearly innovations, particularly the partnership with Spanish giants, FC Barcelona, maintaining that the youths will soon be reaping the benefits of the investment.
Coach Genesis Suomokumo of Krusaders FC in his post-match remarks, attributed the defeat to his team’s wastefulness in front of goal, stating that they have put the loss behind them as their attention has moved to the Round of 32 slated for later this month.
Osunmabio FC coach, Eshaye Denye lauded his players for their show of determination throughout the encounter, describing the tie as tough.
The LGA finals train will move to Sagbama LGA on Wednesday, 15th of April 2026 as Kolobiriowei FC of Bulou-Orua engage Agoro United of Agoro at the Ebedebiri pitch by 1.00p.m.
Osunmaibio FC Dethrones Krusaders FC to Become Ekeremor LGA Champions
Prosperity Cup 2026: Women’s Tournament Gets Underway
…As Women Affairs Commissioner Expresses Delight Over Women’s Football Growth
Commissioner for Women, Children Affairs, Empowerment and Social Development, Hon. Joanah Gigi says the introduction of the women’s category of the Prosperity Cup has changed the fortunes of women football in the State.
The commissioner made the assertion at the opening ceremony of this year’s women’s version of Nigeria’s biggest grassroots football spectacle, the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament, tagged the Prosperity Cup at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.
Hon Gigi noted that the introduction of the women’s tournament was indicative of the State’s investment in women football, pointing out that the future of women’s football is bright with the Prosperity Cup.
Hon. Gigi said she was pleased with the quality of football displayed by the two teams pitched against each other in the ceremonial opening match, Afini Ladies and Bayelsa Queens Feeders, stating that she is confident that players from the competition will graduate into the State-owned Bayelsa Queens and the various other teams participating in the Nigeria Women’s Football League, in the future.
She lauded the organizers of the tournament for conceiving the vision to include women’s tournament in the competition, stressing that the investment would soon begin to yield the desired results.
The commissioner equally appreciated the State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, the Deputy Governor, Dr Peter Akpe, Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere and the Commissioner for Sports Development, Dr Daniel Igali for massively investing in sports development.
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Sports Development, Mr. Pereyi Efeke, in his remarks, asserted that the competition has improved the growth of women football in Bayelsa, maintaining that plans are underway to see more Bayelsa girls in the state-owned team.
Also speaking, chairman of the women’s tournament, Mr. Zuzu Ebimotimi remarked that the increase in the number of registered teams in the competition reflects the continuous acceptance of the showpiece, stressing that the competition has helped in the discovery of female players in the State.
He explained that the competition will kick-off on Tuesday, 21st of April, 2026 in four different centres; Kpansia, Swali, Onopa Golf pitch, and the Bishop Dimeari Grammar School, BDGS field, with the finals coming up on the 8th of May, 2026 alongside the men’s final at the Samson Siasia Stadium.
Afini Ladies coach, Anthony Fouye in an interview, expressed readiness for this year’s tournament, adding that the quality of football has improved compared to the previous edition.
Bayelsa Queens Feeders in the ceremonial match defeated defending champions Afini Ladies by a lone goal as they prepare for the preliminary rounds next week.
Prosperity Cup 2026: New Champion Emerges in Sagbama LGA
… As Prosperity Cup Train Lands Kolokuma/Opokuma LGA
A new champion has emerged in Sagbama Local Government Area in Nigeria’s biggest grassroots football spectacle, the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament, christened the Prosperity Cup.
Kolobiriowei FC of Bulou-Orua triumphed two nil against Agoro FC of Agoro in the Sagbama LGA final decided at the Ebedebiri community field on Wednesday, April 15, 2026.
Arepade Asu put Kolobiriowei FC in front on 18 minutes from a well-taken, inch-perfect set-piece to keep the Bulou-Orua side’s hopes of winning the Sagbama LGA final for the first time, having conquered the Sagbama LGA defending champions, Agbere FC in the preliminary round of the tournament.
Olomu John on 65 minutes added another to seal Kolobiriowei FC’s victory after a dominant second half performance ensuring that they returned home with smiles.
Champion, Kolobiriowei FC received ₦1,000,000 for their triumph while runners-up Agoro FC got ₦500,000.
Kolobiriowei FC’s coach, Daniel Ebedebiri in his post match reaction, attributed his team’s success to hardwork and the dedication of the team, maintaining that he was upbeat that his side would come out victorious due to the quality of players in the team.
Also, Agoro FC coach, Samuel Enetimi, noted that the defeat was as a result of the sunny weather condition, expressing gratitude to his team for coming thus far in the tournament, pointing out that their focus now is on the Round of 32 fixtures.
In his remarks after the match, Chairman of Sagbama LGA, Hon. Alice Allen-Tangi represented by the Political Secretary of the Council, Mr. Ebizi Sapere-Obi, congratulated both teams for their doggedness and show of determination, describing grassroots football as the bedrock of any footballing enterprise in a nation.
He urged both teams to give Sagbama LGA good representation in the Round of 32, pointing out that the quality of football displayed reflects the avalanche of talents in the local government area and the State in general.
Also, speaking, Deputy Director General of the tournament, Mr. Perela Aboro, said he was pleased with the performance of both sides, maintaining that the essence of the LGA finals is gradually yielding the desired results.
He commended the governor, Senator Douye Diri, the Deputy Governor, Dr Peter Akpe and the Commissioner for Sports Development, Dr Daniel Igali for their contribution to the growth of the competition.
Attention will now switch to the Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area final on Thursday, April 16, 2026 as Mountain of the Lord Deliverance Ministry, MLDM FC of Odi confront Odi United in the battle of two Odi giants at the Kaiama pitch at 1.00p.m.
Cross River State Gov Extols NDDC On Niger Delta Development
The Governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Otu, has commended the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, for its development strides in the Niger Delta region, describing its milestone achievements as being in tandem with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government.
Governor Otu made the commendation during a courtesy visit by members of the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on NDDC at the Government House in Calabar. The lawmakers were in the state for an oversight inspection of the emergency repairs on the Calabar-Odukpani-Akamkpa-Ogoja road.
The National Assembly members were led by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on NDDC, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong and the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on NDDC, Hon. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu.
Addressing the delegation, which included the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, Governor Otu remarked that the existing synergy between the state government and the Commission has changed the face of the Niger Delta.
He further attributed the Niger Delta’s steady progress to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, stating: “I commend President Tinubu for his resolve in empowering NDDC to face the daunting challenges confronting the region.”
Otu said further: “If you ask the ordinary people on the streets of the Niger Delta, they will tell you there are positive impacts on the ground.”
He expressed satisfaction that the team had inspected the road alignment before the courtesy visit, which he said gave them ample opportunity to make a fair judgment.
Earlier in his address, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong informed the governor that the committees were in the state to carry out their oversight functions. He lauded the governor for his developmental strides in the state.
He said, “The governor last year called for the rehabilitation of the Calabar-Odukpani-Akamkpa Ogoja road, and I’m happy to inform your excellency that this dream is now a reality.”
He outlined the value of the road, including its role as a corridor for the transportation of petroleum products, agricultural produce, and solid minerals that are abundant in the state.
In her remarks during the courtesy visit, Hon. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu hailed the governor for his attention to detail. She applauded Governor Otu’s contributions to national development.
Earlier, at the project inspection site, the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Ogbuku, described the road as a trans-regional corridor for the South-South, South-East, and North-Central zones of the country.
“This road will transform the lives of the people of the Niger Delta by contributing to its development. This prompted President Tinubu’s directive to the NDDC to rehabilitate it immediately. This is a clear demonstration of Mr President’s love for the people of the region,” Ogbuku stated.
According to him, phases 1 and 2, measuring 27.5 km, have been completed, while others are on course to be completed soon. “This is a new NDDC that starts and finishes projects to the excitement of various road users,” he said.
The Managing Director stated that the Commission was complementing the efforts of the state governments, noting that its public-private partnership model was paying off through the construction, completion, and commissioning of the Ogbia-Nembe Road.
In his remarks during the courtesy visit, Ogbuku recognised the cooperation between the Commission and the governors of Niger Delta states, and briefed the governor on the level of progress achieved.
“We will leverage the cordial relationship between the Commission and the various state governments. We have fully transformed from transaction to transformation,” he remarked.
The NDDC Executive Director, Projects, Dr Victor Antai, while noting that the rehabilitation project was key to easy vehicular movement for the South-South, South-East, and the North, pointed out that NDDC had done well for the people of the Niger Delta region.
Also, the contractor, Michael Asuquo, commended the Commission for listening to the people’s cries and reassured the Commission of his ability to deliver quality work timeously.
Delta State, NDDC Committed To Quality Projects, Gov Oborevwori Assures
The Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has assured that his government, the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, and Chevron Nigeria Limited will insist on quality execution for the 70.75 km Omadino-Okerenkoko-Escravos Road and bridges in the Warri North Local Government Area.
The Governor stated this when members of the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on NDDC, led by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on NDDC, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, paid him a courtesy visit at Government House, Asaba.
In a statement by NDDC Director, Corporate Affairs, Seledi Thompson-Wakama noted that members of the National Assembly, accompanied by the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku and the Director of the Commission’s Delta State Office, Engr. Joseph Onoriode, kicked off a two-day inspection of NDDC Projects in Delta and Cross River States.
Governor Oborevwori expressed satisfaction with the ongoing discussions between the state Government, NDDC, and Chevron on the Omadino-Okerenkoko-Escravos Road, which is expected to connect Warri to key oil-producing coastal communities, enhancing economic activities, security, and infrastructure development across the region.
He stated that his government was working with NDDC to fast-track the project’s delivery, restating his administration’s commitment to accountability, transparency, and cost-effective service delivery in all infrastructural projects across the state.
Speaking earlier, Senator Ekpenyong, commended the Delta State Governor’s infrastructural drive and emphasised the Senate’s support for the NDDC’s focus on Renewed Hope projects that directly impact communities.
He said that the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on NDDC, were on a verification tour of projects executed by the Commission to ensure accountability and value for money.
The Senate Committee Chairman on NDDC noted that “the 10th Senate under the leadership of Senator Godswill Akpabio, remains fully committed to supporting the NDDC in completing these projects to the highest standards.”
He said: “Our visit is not only to inspect but to ensure that NDDC projects are completed on schedule for the benefit of our people. In this regard, the committee pledges its support in working with the state government and the NDDC in addressing the challenges of developing the Niger Delta region.”
Ruthless Okoroma United Wins Nembe LGA Final
… As Assembly Member, LGA Boss, Splash Cash on Teams
Okoroma United of Okoroma have emerged champions of Nembe Local Government Area in Nigeria’s biggest grassroots football fiesta, the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament, christened the Prosperity Cup.
Okoroma United walloped Fantuo FC of Fantuo by six goals to nil in the Nembe LGA final to emerge as champions in an encounter decided at the Nembe City Stadium, Nembe on Sunday.
The Nembe City centre winners wasted no time before stamping their authority in the game when Itaribo Opubo opened the flood gate of goals for his Okoroma-based side just six minutes into the game, after several misses from his side.
Noble Erasmus headed the second goal for his team on 33 minutes of the game. Itaribo Opubo again, scored two quick goals to put the game beyond their opponents’ reach to make it 4-0, with his third goal being applauded by the fans present at the Nembe City stadium.
Noble Erasmus added in his second goal for Okoroma United to make it 5-0 as talisman, Itaribo Opubo scored his fourth goal of the game to completely annihilate the helpless and hapless Fantuo FC.
Matters got worse for the Fantuo side when their keeper was given a straight red card for handling the ball outside the box.
The winners of the Nembe LGA finals, Okoroma United will smile to the bank with the sum of ₦1,000,000, runners-up Fantuo FC went home with ₦500,000.
In a remark, the Member representing Nembe Constituency 1 in the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Hon. George Braah, said he was pleased with the performance of both teams, pointing out that the performance speaks volume of the avalanche of talents in the LGA and indeed the entire State.
According to him, the tournament, over the years, has become a veritable platform for young players in the State to showcase their potentials particularly in football.
He pledged the sum of Five Hundred Thousand Naira (₦500,000) to the winners, Okoroma United while the runners-up, Fantuo FC received three hundred thousand naira ₦300,000.
Chairman of Nembe Local Government Area, Chief David Alagoa, represented by the Political Secretary of the council, Hon. Ambrose Tari, appreciated the organizers of the tournament for the laudable initiative, stating that he was elated with the growth of the competition.
The council boss announced a cash reward of one million naira (₦1,000,000) to champions, Okoroma United and five hundred thousand naira (₦500,000) to the runners-up, Fantuo FC.
Chief Alagoa also pledged that the Council will take full responsibility of both teams for the rest of the competition.
An elated Okoroma United Coach, Ebinimi Festus, in his post-match reaction praised his boys for the show of determination throughout the encounter, maintaining that their attention has moved to the Round 32 slated for later this month.
Also, Fantuo FC coach, Omoh Alex bemoaned his side’s lack of proper training before the encounter that they will improve as the tournament progresses.
The Prosperity Cup train will move to Ogbia LGA on Monday, 13th April, 2026 as enterprising Movers FC of Otuasega battle Edi 1 FC of Ayakoro by 1.00pm at the Imiringi Township Stadium.
Tinubu Assures On Collaboration With State Governments
President Bola Tinubu has assured the Bayelsa State Government of the Federal Government’s support for continued development partnerships, commending the government’s purposeful leadership and effective collaboration with the central government.
Giving the assurance during a stakeholders’ meeting at the Bayelsa State Government House Banquet Hall in Yenagoa, President Tinubu stated that much more would be achieved when the different levels of government work in synergy.
The President had earlier inaugurated four projects executed by the Bayelsa State Government. The projects included the 60MW Bayelsa Gas Turbine, the dualised New Yenagoa City Road, the 630-metre Angiama-Oporoma Bridge, and the Sagbama–Ekeremor Road, a project started by the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC.
The NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, accompanied by the Executive Director Corporate Services, Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde, and the Bayelsa State Representative on the NDDC Board, Senator Dimaro Denyanbofa, were among the dignitaries at the inauguration of the projects and the stakeholders’ meeting.
The President stated that the projects executed by the Bayelsa State Government demonstrated the cooperation between the Federal Government and the State under the Renewed Hope agenda.
He said, “You have done a great job. I have commissioned some projects, very transformative projects, creating opportunities and jobs and a hope for our nation.”
He added that the Independent Power Plant project would support industrialisation and economic growth in the state.
“There can be no industrialisation, skill development and empowerment without power; that is a vision. I assure Nigerians that we will have electricity to power our growth,” he stated.
Also speaking during the stakeholders’ meeting, the Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, commended President Tinubu for providing the right policy framework for development to thrive.
He said: “Your administration’s decisive policy interventions have paved the way for meaningful reforms in various sectors, including power, enabling us to deliver on our pledge of reliable, independent energy through the construction of these 60-Megawatt gas-fired turbines. For us, it is a cause for thanksgiving and rejoicing.
“Equally significant is the iconic 630-metre Angiama-Oporoma Bridge – a project promised by the federal government more than six decades ago, long predating your administration but left to gather dust in bureaucratic files. We are delighted that the modest effort of the Government of Assured Prosperity has finally addressed this pain. It has righted a historical injustice against one of Nigeria’s top oil-producing Local Government Areas.
“Your Excellency, the virtual commissioning of the Bayelsa West segment of the trio of senatorial roads, which is progressing to Ndoro, and which you so graciously undertook, marks the fourth and final leg of your inauguration relay.
The visit comes amid renewed efforts to strengthen national security and ramp up crude oil production, with projections targeting more than 2 million barrels per day.
The governor also commended the Federal Government for supporting key projects, including waivers for the importation of equipment for the state’s Independent Power Plant and the award of the second phase of the Nembe-Brass Road.
He said the collaboration between both levels of government had helped drive development in the state.
Prosperity Cup 2026: LGA Finals Get Dates
The Central Organizing Committee (COC) of Nigeria’s biggest grassroots football spectacle, the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament, tagged the Prosperity Cup, has concluded arrangements for this year’s local government area (LGA) finals across the right local government areas of the State.
This was contained in a statement signed by Tournament Director, Mr. Ebi Avi in preparation for this year’s edition of the LGA finals after weeks of beautiful football across thirty different centres.
The statement says the LGA finals will begin in Nembe LGA on Sunday, 12th April, 2026 at the Nembe City Stadium as high-scoring Okoroma United of Okoroma battles Fantuo FC of Fantuo for the ₦1,000,000 prize money at stake.
Hon. Braah Oteigbanyo, the Member representing Nembe Constituency 1 in the State House of Assembly and Hon. David Alagoa, Chairman of Member Local Government Council are expected to be on hand to cheer the boys.
According to the statement, attention will shift to Ogbia LGA on Monday, 13th April, 2026 with determined Movers FC of Otuasega confronting Edi 1 FC of Ayakoro at the Imiringi Mini Stadium.
The statement equally stated that Hon. Gabriel Ogbara, Chief Whip of the State House of Assembly, the Chairman of Ogbia LGA, Hon. Jeremiah Golden, alongside other stakeholders, are expected to grace the occasion.
On Tuesday, 14th April, 2026, the excitement will move to Ekeremor LGA as two-time champions, Krosaders FC of Peretorugbene tackle Osainmabio of Osainmabio at Ayamasa School field.
The House Committee Chairman on Sports, Hon. Tare Porri will be joined by the Commissioner, Local Government and Community Development, Hon Thompson Amule and other stakeholders to add colour to the event.
The statement also explains that Kolobiriowei FC of Bulou-Orua will engage Agoro United of Agoro in the Sagbama LGA finals on Wednesday, 15th April, 2026 at the Ebedebiri pitch.
The Director General, Bayelsa Micro-Finance Enterprise Development Agency, Hon. Embeleakpo Apere is expected to be the Special Guest of Honour.
It further states that the Prosperity Cup train will move to Kolokuma/Opokuma on Thursday, April 16th, 2026 as Mountain of the Lord’s Deliverance Ministry, MLDM FC of Odi entertain Odi United in the battle of two Odi giants at the Kaiama pitch.
Hon Pamo Werenipre and Hon. Wisdom Fafi, both Members of the State House of Assembly and Hon. Lelei Tariye, Chairman, Kolokuma/Opokuma LGA will be there to add colour to the fiesta.
According to the statement, Amassoma will have the luxury of hosting enterprising NDU Oilers FC of Amassoma and the rugged Onde United of Ondewari on Friday, 17th of April, 2026 in the Southern Ijaw LGA finals.
Women Affairs Commissioner, Hon. Joanah Gigi and Chairman, Southern Ijaw Local Government Council, Hon. Target Segibo will be among guests to be entertained.
Mr. Avi disclosed that Saturday, 18th April, 2026 will be the turn of Brass LGA as Mini FC of Minibie welcomes Igoni FC of Odioma at the beautiful Island of Okpoama, pointing out that Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere is among the dignitaries to watch the final.
The Tournament Director also said Bayelsa United Feeders and Brazil FC of Yenagoa will be at each other’s throats as they battle for glory at the Samson Siasia Stadium Sunday, 19th of April, 2026.
Hon. Ayibanengiyefa Egba, Member representing Yenagoa Constituency 1 in the State House of Assembly and Hon. Bulodisiye Ndiwari, Chairman of Yenagoa LGA will be among the guests.
He equally stated that the kick-off time for all the matches is 1:00pm with the winners of each match smiling to the bank with ₦1,000,000 while the runners-up will receive ₦500,000.
Ebi Avi appreciated all the sponsors; Premium Trust Bank, the Bayelsa State Government, Linkage Assurance, NDDC, NCDMB, Nigeria Customs Service, Binad Table Water and the Bayelsa State Board of Internal Revenue for their immense support for the growth of tournament.
Prosperity Cup Organizers Congratulate Arise News Reporter, Ovieteme George
Organizers of Nigeria’s biggest grassroots football spectacle, the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament, tagged the Prosperity Cup, have congratulated Arise T.V. News reporter, Ovieteme George on his Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria (BON) award as Best Reporter of the Year.
Director General of the tournament, Mr. Ono Akpe in a congratulatory message on behalf of the Central Organizing Committee (COC), said the award reflects the invaluable contributions of Mr. Ovieteme George in projecting the Niger Delta region and Bayelsa State in particular.
The statement describes Mr George as Nigeria’s finest journalist whose passion for his job has continued to impact Arise Television, maintaining that the latest award speaks volumes of Mr George’s commitment to national development.
According to the statement, Ovieteme George has made Arise News T.V. a delight to watch with constant reporting of the problems bedevilling the people of the Niger Delta region to the world, stating that he has brought the station to wield a strong impact on national affairs by reawakening and advancing social and political consciousness among Niger Deltans.
Mr Akpe commended the celebrant for his immense contribution to the growth and development of the Prosperity Cup since the commencement of the tournament.
”We congratulate you on your award, this award reflects your unwavering commitment to your job, we will continue to identify with you. You have made Arise News one of the most sought-after television stations in the country” he stated.
We pray that God would continue to guide Ovieteme George in the discharge of his public-spirited responsibilities, and together with your Arise TV team in Yenagoa, strive for sustained delivery of greater service to the station.
The Ozoro Festival of Shame and Endless Cycle of Violence Against Women
By 𝐀𝐥𝐞𝐱 𝐄𝐧𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐚
There is hardly anyone who has a mother, sister, daughter, aunty, friend, or even a female enemy who was not infuriated by trending video clips where groups of randy chaps, just like a herd of lion on a strayed antelope, chased after and pounced on young ladies in Ozoro community, Isoko North local government of Delta state, stripping them in broad daylight, mindlessly dehumanising and heartlessly violating their very essence of humanity in a way that portrays us as a society where reckless behaviours and untamed impunity have no consequence.
The fact that those unkind breeds of humans decided to carry out such nauseating act, hiding under a traditional festival called, “Alue-Do” branded as festival for barren women in a society where rape can carry as much as life sentence raises questions on the place of accountability for brazen infractions. While some accounts allude that the festival designed to help the childless conceive basically targets women seen in certain locations in the community for violent assault and unprovoked harassment, others including former governor of Delta State, James Ibori say such narrative was alien to the people’s norms.
Irrespective of which side of the divide, dear reader you may wish to pitch your tent, what is however glaringly established is that we are incubating a battalion of monsters, clearly acting under the influence of some kinds of psycho-active substances, who see women as commodity to be consumed and in any manner without recourse to decency, modesty or consensuality. We are dealing with inherent dangers of crude (cultural) practices often packaged as efforts to preserve our heritage from being totally subsumed or erased by the domineering influence of colonialism.
Provocatively, this is happening the same month when the global community is celebrating the impact, the value, the inalienable contributions of women to a more peaceful and more liveable world through the platform of UN International Women’s Day, making the pain hit differently – to borrow a Gen-Z language. To assume that it is happening same month when the Christian community is marking the Mothers’ Day makes the Ozoro scene a collective assault on women and regrettably casts a blot on the decades of advocacy, appeal, campaign to permanently end violence against (persons) women.
The Ozoro eyesore is not an isolated case. It is one of such plethora of cases where women have been targeted for undue violent attacks that sometimes lead to a tragic end while we look the other way, waiting for the next victim. We have not forgotten in a hurry the 2022 murder of 22-year-old fashion Oluwabamise Ayanwole, on her way from Ajah to Ota in Lagos. According to a police investigation, she had boarded a Bus Rapid Transit, popularly referred to as BRT to take her to a destination but she never arrived alive. The driver identified as Andrew Nice Ominikoron upon picking our dear Oluwabamise at Chevron Bus-Stop immediately found her “attractive” and started nursing a nefarious agenda. At the end, along with his gang members, which by the way included a woman, Mr. Nice that turned out to be an accursed descendant of Lucifer took their turns on citizen Oluwabamise and eventually murdered her, apparently to conceal the wicked deed. They dumped her body on the Carter Bridge, near a community called. Ogogoro.
Also in 2021, another citizen, Iniubong Umoren, this time a fresh graduate who was waiting for deployment for her mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) was lured from her home in Uyo with an imaginary job interview by one Uduak Akpan. Unfortunately, she never lived to do the job. Again, she was serially violated, murdered and buried in a shallow grave.
Still fresh in our memory is the killing of a 24-year-old member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Salome Adaidu in Nasarawa State by her boyfriend, Oluwatimileyin Ajayi who also calls himself a gospel singer. Investigations said he killed her over a disagreement and balkanised her body in a way only a butcher would. More shocking, Ajayi said he has no regret over what he did.
These are just few reported cases, not to talk of other routine sexual violations that target vulnerable persons all around us unspoken, unheard and undocumented — pedophilia, incest and whatever names they are called.
It is heartwarming that some persons suspected to have been involved in the Ozoro public display of shame have been taken into custody and will likely have their days in court. Interestingly, the judiciary has landed the gavel on proven infractions, signalling a level of support. Three of the instances cited in this piece have all been dispensed of at the court of first instance, with all offenders slammed with death sentences. That is good news, that is progress.
Whether in Ozoro, Orozo, Koton Karfe, Kaura Namoda or anywhere at all, violent assault against anyone, moreso with intent to violate them is unlawful, appalling, unacceptable and should be condemned. Every human deserves right to dignity and fair treatment irrespective of their natural configuration.
𝑱𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝑩𝒆𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝑰 𝑮𝒐…
𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐀𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐑𝐢𝐜𝐞
While it is a worth commending that President Bola Tinubu demonstrates care to Nigerians by ordering distribution of rice especially during festive periods through his Renewed Hope Ambassadors, it must however be stated that there are occasions when the solution is not in the grain rice. Today, many Nigerians spend huge chunk of their income on transportation as a result of high cost of fuel. Some others can’t even access their homes, including Senator Ali Ndume who has not been to his community in the past 16 years as a result of insecurity. Terrorism and banditry have displaced farming communities, dealing a heavy setback on their economy and livelihood. Of what need is bag of rice to families struggling to raise money to secure the release of loved ones in kidnappers’ den? Posterity will not judge the President by how many bags of rice he distributed but actions taken address insecurity, tackle inflation, deepen inclusion, and institutionalise equity.
Enemanna, an Abuja-based journalist writes from alexenemanna3@gmail.com