By ADA DIKE
I started catfish business in March 2021. The experience has been an interesting one. Contact me if you want quality catfish at affordable price.
Monday, 25 September 2023
Ada Dike's photos
Ada Dike (Stainless). My philosophy of life: Do to others the way you want people to do to you. Look at some of my photos.
Thursday, 14 September 2023
Encomiums, Accolades flow as Ngozi Nwosu celebrates 60th Birthday
By ADA DIKE
One of Nigeria’s creative actors celebrated her 60th birthday recently. Ngozi Nwosu was excited to see her family members, colleagues and friends gathered to celebrate her 60th birthday in Ikeja, Lagos a few days ago. The hall was agog when she entered like a conqueror, dancing Flavour’s Game Changer (The Emperor, The Conqueror, The lion is here…).
Her colleagues shared beautiful encounters they had with her and prayed that God’s blessings, guidance and glory would be with her.The screen diva was critically ill some years ago. She went abroad for surgery and return sound. She went round and expressed gratitude to her guests and said she will live over 100 years. “I am grateful to God for bringing me this far and I pray for many more years in good health.”Below are some of the encomiums from her colleagues including Taiwo Ajai-Lycett, Joke Sylva, Chinyere Winifred, Agatha Amata and many others.
She is the
symbol of our industry -Taiwo Ajai-Lycett
“She is a gift to us. Don’t go home without touching her. Her heart is clean. She is genuine. You can’t beat your authentic self. She is a symbol of success, determination, forthrightness, perseverance and courage. She is a lioness. She is a force of nature. When you come in contact with her, you won’t forget her. She is what you see is what you get. She is the symbol of our industry, which is, loving one another. Look after another person, the person will look after you, and that is what I am enjoying now. I am her Mama. Let us affect one another without holding back. I like her openness. I like her being forthright. May she live long, happy and healthy.”
Ngozi is a phenomenon on stage –Joke Sylva
Joke Sylva said she calls Ngozi, ‘Ayanrunbo’ which means somebody that had been to heaven and back. Her assignment on earth is quite a lot and I am so happy to witness her celebrating 60th birthday.”She added that Ngozi Nwosu and Clarion Chukwurah are some of Igbo actresses that can easily act in Yoruba films. “Ngozi is aristocratic, but when she starts talking you will be shocked. She is a phenomenon on stage. She can switch roles, so effervescent.Till I die,
Ngozi will still be my friend –Patrick Doyle
Patrick Doyle revealed that Ngozi is his friend. “We were close. We used to spend some hours in Ngozi’s house. She was like paddy to me since 30 years ago. Till I die, Ngozi will still be my friend.”Her realness attracts people –Agatha Amata“Ngozi genuinely cares about people,” says film producer and TV presenter, Agatha Amata. She further said that she has a pure heart. She is everyone’s best friend. Her realness attracts people. Everyone is excited in the building when she comes to my office. She is blessed to be the kind of woman she is.” She prayed for Ngozi to fulfill her purpose on earth.
She is a lioness –Clarion
ChukwurahActress Clarion Chukwurah described Ngozi as a conqueror. She revealed that she had known her for about 40 years. She recalled two occasions Ngozi came through to her. One was when she was having issues with her mother. “I went to Ngozi and realized she was struggling to take care of her mother who had cancer. She was working to take care of her mother. She kept working and spending despite the fact that she knew her mother was going to die. Since then, I stopped complaining and learnt to raise my child with determination.“The second time was when the world was against me. The media was bashing me and my baby daddy was doing his own. Ngozi Nwosu kept telling me, ‘Niso nibe (Lets go there).”In 1989or thereabout, we went to Mushin and made noise. I told Ngozi, come let’s go. I became bolder since then. Ngozi is a fighter and also playful.
She is an amazing woman, so down to earth –Carol King
Carol King said the message she had for Ngozi is a very happy birthday to her. She has been through a lot and she is standing tall. She is one of the most amiable people I have worked with. I love her very much. She was with me a few days ago during my birthday. She is an amazing woman, so down to earth. She is real, and I love her for that.
We have been through thick and thin –Metche Isaac
Moses Goge Africa producer, Metche Isaac Moses said he and Ngozi Nwosu had come a long way. We have been through thick and thin. I wish your lines to fall in pleasant places. Nneka Moses added that Ngozi is a blessing to Nollywood.
Ngozi is an Agbero –Chinyere Winifred
On a lighter note, a versatile actress, Chinyere Winifred described Ngozi Nwosu as an ‘agbero’. “Ngozi is an Agbero (a funny person). We are just packaging her. She is a lovely lady who says it as it is.”
Other ethnic groups should imbibe yearly August meeting – Oluremi Tinubu …Empowers Imo women
BY ADA DIKE
Wife of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu (CON), has called on women from other ethnic group to be holding annual August meeting like Igbo women.
She made this call in Owerri, Imo State, on Friday, at the round off of the annual gathering of women at Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu Square, Owerri.
With the theme: “Women Supporting each other, make things happen,” this year’s turn out was massive. It started with a march-past by women from the 27 local government areas of the state.
August meeting is a yearly event in which women from different parts of Igboland travel home to discuss issues and commission projects for their communities. It is an age long culltural event which mirros the role of woman in the society. It aims to educate women, celebrate notable women who have affected their society and staretgise on how their community can move forward.
The event attracted women from different parts of the state and country including five commissioners, one minister, one deputy gubernatorial candidate and over 30 advisers.
The First Lady, who went with Nasarawa State First Lady, Hajiya Silifat Abdullahi A. Sule, said she liked the yearly gathering of Igbo women known as August meeting and advised women in other ethnic group to be having August meeting.
Commenting on the present administration, she said, "I am sure this administration is doing everything possible to ensure a better life for every Nigerian. This is one of the reasons we are here today. So, we are assuring you of federal government's plan in making Nigeria a more prosperous nation, where all of us and generations yet unborn will be proud to belong. Today, as we gathered to commemorate and celebrate achievement of women at this annual women August meeting, while we celebrate the accomplishment of younger generation, which are undoubtable inspiring, let us not forget the invaluable role elderly women do share in our community and our future. The elderly women have been the backbone of our society, community, family and state. We must take cognizance of the struggle of our women which has made it possible for the progress we are enjoying today. It is our collective duty to ensure that women are heard, their needs are met and their legacies are preserved, the wisdom they possess, the stories they tell and their guidance are pillars of our society.
"The support we are advocating is what we have come to present today through the renewed hope initiative, social investment agenda by celebrating the elderly at this year’s event. We join our voices with that of Her Excellency, Mrs. Chioma Uzodimma and indeed, that of His Excellency, Dr. Hope Uzodimma against every form sexual and domestic violence, fight against trafficking of persons, drug abuse and other gender-based violence in the society.
"Empowering women is not just a slogan, for us, it is a renewed hope initiative and a commitment towards the better of life for families in every state of the federation. We will support women and uplift their status and ensure empowerment extends to women of all ages, from young girls who dream of their future to the elderly who have shared her past. "These are the hallmarks of the renewed hope initiative, it is an initiative focused on women and families with its scope in Agriculture, education, health, economic empowerment and social investment. I assure you all that the initiative will soon be back to Imo State to give our modest contribution in the area of agriculture," she emphasised.
Tinubu said she discussed with Mrs. Uzodinma and she changed her mind in the car when they were driving together.
"She picked empowerment, but when I began to tell her about the scope which she also mentioned today -sharing seedlings to the farmers, she then understood what we want to do for farmers, because they are the only ones that need economic empowerment, and we know the Igbo always say, 'Ego amaka,' which means 'money is good', I believe that you are all happy with agriculture, that is what we are going to use to empower all the people in the federation."
She implored them to re-elect Uzodimma as the governor of Imo State. “Let us not give doubt in the transformative power women hold. I call on you all great women from Imo State to come out en masse and vote overwhelmingly for Uzodimma. He deserves second term in order to complete the good works he has started, and I believe he has the backing of this present administration. With his re-election, his dream and aspiration for Imo State will be actualized. By the grace of God, Imo State will be there for a greater lease of life."
The special guest of honour urged them to be united and re-elect him so that he would continue to champion gender equity and parity, so that he would continue to pursue the call for a better life of the people.
The Senator empowered women with foodstuffs and money, among others things.
In her welcome address with a slogan, "Umu Nwanyi na akwado ibe ha (Women support themselves)," Chief Barr. Mrs. Chioma Uzodimma expressed deepest appreciation to Senator Tinubu and other notable dignitaries including wife of Abia State Governor, Mrs. Oti.
The founder of Goodhope Flourish Foundation reassured women that her husband's administration would continue to ensure that women are well represented and supported.
She urged women to continue to be peaceful.
in the same vein, the executive Governor of Imo State, His Excellency, Dr. Hope Uzodimma, said he didn’t have much to say because his wife had said many salient points including development of the state and women empowerment. Thanked Senator Tinubu and other guests who graced the occasion.
Friday, 28 July 2023
AC Milan Signs Super Eagle's Samuel Chukwueze
AC Milan has confirmed signing of Super Eagles winger Samuel Chukwueze on deal until 2028.
The 24-year-old signed a five-year deal with the Serie A club and will wear the number 21.
Chukwueze, who had one year left on his Villarreal contract, wanted to leave the Spanish side to secure a move elsewhere.
Milan announced the signing in a statement released on their website on Thursday.
“AC Milan is delighted to announce the signing of Samuel Chimerenka Chukwueze from Villarreal CF. The Nigerian forward has signed for the Rossoneri until 30 June 2028,” Milan stated.
“Born in Umuahia (Nigeria) on 22 May 1999, Samuel came through the Diamond Football Academy Youth Sector before moving to Villarreal in 2017.
“With the Spanish club’s B team, he played 20 games and scored four goals before making his debut with the senior team in September 2018, going on to feature 207 times, scoring 37 goals, and winning 1 Europa League.
“He has been capped 28 times for Nigeria and scored four goals.
“Samuel Chukwueze has chosen the number 21 jersey.”
During his time at Villarreal, Chukwueze helped the LaLiga side win the UEFA Europa League title in 2020/21 season.
I Feel Your Pains, Expect Prosperity Soon, President Tinubu Tells Nigerians
Pesident Bola Tinubu on Thursday called for the patience and understanding of Nigerians, particularly the youths, assuring them that the hardships of the moment will eventually give way for a more prosperous, equitable and inclusive economy.
He gave the assurance on Thursday at the State House while receiving All Progressives Congress (APC) National Youth Leaders from across the 36 States of the federation and Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
A statement issued by Dele Alake, Special Adviser to the President (Special Duties, Communications and Strategy) said the President told the youths that his administration would include them in governance, and decision-making processes, adding that “no decision would be too difficult for his administration to take for the prosperity and unity of the nation.’’
The statement quoted President Tinubu as saying: “I make my pledge to the country that no decision will be difficult for this administration to take for the prosperity and unity of this country. Economic reforms could be slow. Be patient a little more.”
“I can assure you that I understand the pains you are going through. It is not easy to get out the monster of over 40 years called fuel subsidy,” he added.
The President noted that his administration would do everything necessary to widen the net in order to accommodate more women and youths.
According to him, this will be done, among others, by ‘liaising with our lending institutions to give micro loans at a very low interest rate’ for economic activities among the citizens.
Earlier in his remarks, the APC National Youth Leader, Hon. Abdullahi Dayo Israel, told the President that, as representatives of all the youth organs of the party, they had come to congratulate him on the party’s victory at the polls and seek inclusion in appointments into the dissolved boards and agencies of government.
Source: Tribune
Behold Super Falcons' Defender, Michelle Alozie, Who Made Nigeria Proud
This young lady, Super Falcons Defender, Michelle Alozie, really made Nigeria proud at their match held yesterday in Australia.
She is combining two professions. She is a Cancer Research Technician at Texas Children's Hospital and a Professional Footballer for the Super Falcons of Nigeria and Houston Dash FC of USA.
She has a degree in Molecular Biology from Yale University.
When that match was being played, no tribal and religion superiority.
COMEDIAN ABDULGAFAR ABIOLA, AKA "CUTE ABIOLA’S" USING POLICE UNIFORM IS CRIMINAL, PUNISHABLE -POLICE FORCE HEADQUARTERS
Popular comedian, Abdulgafar Abiola, aka Cute Abiola, may be having a tough time presently as the Nigeria Police frowned at some skits he made recently using police uniform.
According to a press release from Force Headquarters, Abuja, made available by the Force Public Relations Department, Mr. Olumuyiwa Adejobi, two recent skits he posted on his social media handles on 20th and 24th July, 2023 showed a highly disrespectful and derogatory portrayal of the police uniform.
He emphasised that the action is a direct violation of Section 251 of the Criminal Code and Section 133 of the Penal Code Law. Such acts are not only offensive but also undermine the integrity and dignity of the men and women who wear the uniform in service to the nation.
The statement reads, "In as much as the law grants Nigerians the right to enjoy their fundamental human rights, the same law prohibits an individual, under whatever guise, from rubbishing the police institution or grossly violating its provisions with regards to the use of uniforms.
"We, therefore, vehemently condemn the contemptuous act displayed by comedian Abdulgafar Abiola, popularly known as "Cute Abiola," in two recent skits posted on his social media handles on 20th and 24th July, 2023. The skits in question show a highly disrespectful and derogatory portrayal of the police uniform, an action that is in direct violation of Section 251 of the Criminal Code and Section 133 of the Penal Code Law. Such acts are not only offensive but also undermine the integrity and dignity of the men and women who wear the uniform in service to the nation.
"Abdulgafar Abiola will be investigated and possibly prosecuted for his deliberate acts as the NPF had already warned skit makers and filmmakers to desist from desecrating its uniform or accoutrements. The Force is committed to upholding the sanctity of the uniform and will pursue due legal process to ensure accountability for any individual or entity that seeks to bring disrepute to the uniform or the institution it represents. We call on all members of the public, including media personalities, to exercise their freedom of expression responsibly and avoid engaging in actions that could erode public trust in our revered law enforcement institutions."
Thursday, 27 July 2023
Exhibition, events and masquerades display at Ndi Ebe Abam Foundation Age Grade's Traditional Retirement
By Ada Dike
In some villages and towns, there are some events spectators don't want to end on time, and one of such events is Foundation Age Grade's traditional retirement ceremony.
His Royal Majesty, Eze Okoko Arunsi, Ochi Oza 111
On December 29, 2022, members of Foundation Age Grade in Ndi Ebe Abam in Arochukwu LGA, Abia State, Nigeria had their traditional retirement (Ipurafia).
The celebration began on 28th, the day all the age grade members began to cook meals for the occasion. Men cooked rice, stew and yam porridge, while women cooked moulded melon soup (ofe egusi or ofe ahu) without leaves in it, rice and stew.
In the morning of the celebration day, around 7.30 a.m, they took the food to a river called Igwu River, a river (tributary) that flows from Ebonyi State side, passes through many towns in Abam including Ozu Abam and Atan Abam and Akwa Ibom then ends in a sea in Cross River State. Tales abound on how majority of the village's members and grandparents used canoes, which were the major means of transportation then to Calabar where they were based and traded majorly in textile materials. So the river is apart from a place the inhabitants of the town go to fetch water, bath and wash clothes hosts different age groups every four years.
Members of the age group wore a uniform (red velvet material with black horses in it and a beautiful George materials as their wrapper.
Declaring the occasion opened, the town's king, His Royal Majesty, Okoko Arunsi, Ochi Oza 111 of Ndi Ebe Abam, said the 'ipurafia' is an age long tradition in the town and expressed gratitude to God for the peaceful day the age grade members turned out in large number and celebrated their retirement ceremony despite the fact that many people decided not to participate, claiming that their religion forbids it, meanwhile, there is nothing the community and age grade members do that go against Christianity.
In his words: "Our forefathers did it. It is an event that usher usher an age grade to retire from active service to the community so as to allow the younger ones to continue to join hands to develop our land, maintain peace and order and participate in every activity that will unite one another as well as make the land habitable.
"This year's celebration attracted timbers and calibers from different places due to the personalities that are celebrating their retirement. I thank them so much and pray that the next age group that will do their own in four years' time will do better than us."
He advised parents to ensure that young men and women obeyed the rules and regulations of the elders by maintaining peace and tranquility in the land during the festive season and beyond as the defaulters would be severely punished.
"Parents, warn your children to maintain peace and order. I am prepared to do good not bad things. Anyone that is doing bad thing should stop it because whatever you sow, you shall reap. If you love fighting, sheath your sword. Enjoy your money, food and drinks with joy," he added.
He prayed for God to grant Ndi Ebe Abam sons and daughters safe journey to where they returned from.
He also warned people to take pictures and videos of the event at the village and booths before 3pm as it is forbidden for anyone to take pictures or record videos of the 'Ekpe-aka" (long masquerade).
"Defaulters will be severely punished and will also pay fine. If they invite soldiers or the police to arrest the elders of the land for punishing them, when they hear our side of the story, they will go."
The age group built a palace for the community as their retirement project.
In his speech, the Chairman of the age grade and a former senior Customs and Excise officer, Mr. Eric Ukaha, said he was elated to participate in the celebration as a leader and member of the group. "Good thing is good, so I'm glad that we are promoting our culture and tradition today."
He advised people to embrace good things and eschew evil, to make the world a better place.
He further say that: "I thank you all for finding time to grace the occasion and support us immensely. Celebrations will not seize in your homes."
By that river, the age group made up of notable personalities including Mr. Eric Ukaha; HRM Okoko Arunsi; the village's past king's wife, Lolo Lucy Thomas Uba; U.S based business woman, Mrs. Pauline Ikechi; and a former woman leader of the community, Mrs. Comfort Kalu Ogba, to mention a few, displayed their well cooked meals on their tables for inspection by members of the last age group that did their retirement ceremony. Anyone whose meal was not up to standard paid fine. When the inspectors finished collecting their meals from all the participants, sons and daughters from the village ate the remaining food to their satisfaction.
According to one of the spectators, Mrs. Grace Kalu Okoko, it was a beautiful scene to behold as many indigenes who returned from different parts of the world went to the river to catch a glimpse of the age long tradition.
Furthermore, she said: "We were told that the remaining food would be thrown into the water but, I was surprised that no food remained in any of the celebrants' pots because young boys and girls ate everything. The act of cooking for people to come and eat beside that river showed that members of Ndi Ebe Abam community are united and also love themselves."
She added that since she was born, she had never seen the size of moulded egusi and stockfish she saw in the soups there.
From the river, members the age group were escorted by their loved ones who covered them with the biggest size of umbrellas while they danced melodious music played by a band group.
In a single file, they danced to the village square, where they were received by elders of the town. After some minutes, they danced to a place called 'ihu elu ogo", where traditional land guns (Ukurutu) popularly known as 'mkpo-na-ala) saluted them.
From there, each celebrant went to their houses and sat in tents built with George materials where friends and family members visited them, wined and dined with them, and gave them gifts including money.
They were asked to dismantle their tents around 4 pm and prepare for the celebration of long masquerade (Ekpe-aka).
Recall that the masquerade is what stands the town out culturally, in the whole Igbo land due to its height. The masquerade has a young boy on top that entertains spectators by waving two hands to the tune of the music being played, "Ife anyi ji ka mba, yayariya! Mm, mmm, yayariya!!!, meaning, " This is what we have which other towns don't have."
Everyone tied George materials, sang and danced the song.
Just like the Igbo adage states that, "Before a big masquerade comes out, smaller ones must appear first," spectators watched dual face masquerades called 'Ukwanyiri' and 'Ukpokporo' as well as multitudes of young men artistic works and expressions, who entertained spectators with drama and comedy while they wait for the arrival of the long masquerade.
The event ended after the boy on top of the masquerade was taken to the town's square in celebration that the outing was successful. People then danced to the boy's parents' home who received him with joy. Then men, women, boys and girls danced along Abiriba-Amaguzo road before they converged at the town's square where they sang that what makes them unique from other towns in the world came and left peacefully.
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