The subject came up on the discord a while back of where Worldwound blood rain comes from. Based on ideas by @spyridonya and @silversiren1101

Ted,—Darkfang, now,—teeth set against the agony of his scraped elbows and bruised knees, pulled himself onto the promontory and scrambled to his feet to survey with cold satisfaction the pitted landscape of the Worldwound stretching out in all directions below him.

His future domain.

Hail Baphomet!

Maniacal laughter shattered the silence.

After a few minutes plopped on the ground emptying his boots of gravel and rubbing ointment into the swollen, itchy vescavor bites on his legs, he began unpacking his tools.

Chalk. Candles. A ball of string. Bezoar. A heavily dogeared, bookmarked and annotated copy of Baphomet: the Art of the Lie. A Kenabres Fiscal Service envelope containing the ashes of a burned witch. Three cheap wine bottles filled with the blood of crusaders. His last sandwich, half eaten. By vescavors.

He finished the sandwich, picking little wings out of his teeth. He would need all his strength for what lie ahead.

It was time.

The wan light of a sun veiled in noxious mist reflected from his balding pate as he bent to his evil task.

First, gathering stones upon which to fix the string and stretch it out into a five-pointed star. He still had the marks of a dretch bite to remind him that chalking a suitable pentagram by eye alone resulted in failure.

Groaning as he stretched the crick out of his back he then got to work with the chalk. Carefully. Rubbing out an arc that ballooned too far and re-drawing it, tongue at the corner of his mouth.

Next the candles. The real wax ones were a bloody rip-off, but again it was a lesson he would not forget: tallow was insufficient, as mephit scorches on his arms attested.

If the ground were even it would be easier, but eventually he got all five of the candles propped up so that they wouldn’t fall and roll down the promontory again. He wouldn’t light them until the last minute. In this stinging Worldwound wind he could just picture himself once again running around the pentagram frantically relighting one after another. He was too smart for that.

The bezoar went in the center. Then a fistful of witch ashes. Then the bezoar hastily placed atop the ashes to keep them from blowing away. He sneezed.

At last, the crusader blood: the final demoniacal touch, to be poured over the chalk lines in order to seal the pentagram. He uncorked the first bottle and upended it carefully at one point of the star, smiling grimly.

Nothing came out.

He shook it.

Still nothing.

He peered into the neck of the bottle and frowned. Clotted.

A dozen Abyssal curses of the most scorching variety flew from his lips as he checked the other two bottles and found them equally caked with black resin.

He’d been so careful to get this right, may Baphomet violate all their orifices.

For a few minutes he walked around the promontory kicking rocks and wailing to the jaundiced sky. Then suddenly inspiration struck.

Avidly he rifled the stained pages of his book until he came to the part he wanted, and running a filthy finger down the page he read, and read again. No—it didn’t say anything about the blood having to be liquid.

It took some time to locate a suitable stick among the barren stones, but eventually he was back on the promontory patiently scraping flakes of dried crusader blood onto the chalk pentagram, inch by painstaking inch.

It was well after sundown by the time he finished. He had to lie down flat on the rock and cry a little bit.

Then the matter of steeling himself for the task of getting all five candles lit at the same time, but eventually it was done and he could pull his reading spectacles out of his robe pockets, unfold the piece of parchment in his feverish hands, and begin the incantation.

Deus Magnus Niger Quoniam

Again, with feeling. He raised his voice to the foul wind and yelled the words.

Again and again until Worldwound fumes seared his throat.

At midnight the moon rose, bloated crimson among shreds of black on the horizon, finding Ted—Darkfang—tears streaming down his ash-streaked face, fists balled at his sides, desperately repeating the unholy words over and over in a voice barely above a hoarse whisper.

Finally something happened. A peal of thunder from the boiling night sky.

Low black clouds whirled overhead.

Head spinning, Darkfang collapsed to the ground and lay there spread-eagle on his pentagram, staring up into the maelstrom.

Splat.

A large, viscous drop hit his balding forehead and rolled down it slowly like a sticky, sensuous finger.

Another hit his lips. More pattered on his dust-covered robe and scuffed boots.

Without thinking he licked at the pool at the corner of his mouth—coppery, sickly sweet, a meaty taste.

He sat up and raised his arms to the raging sky in triumph.

Perhaps he had not summoned the Lord of the Labyrinth, but surely this was a sign.

Let it rain blood upon the servants of Iomedae!

Especially Greg in Accounting.

Ladies please reblog to spread the word about these ladies and their fight to protect their homes from the destruction of the Oil industry

BY NEMONTE NENQUIMO AND NONHLE MBUTHUMA

DECEMBER 15, 2022 7:00 AM EST

Nenquimo, co-founder of Amazon Frontlines and the Ceibo Alliance, is a Waorani leader who has won the Goldman Environmental Prize. Mbuthuma is a leader of the amaMpondo people in South Africa and spokesperson of the Amadiba Crisis Committee, a collective that defends her community’s rights to steward their ancestral land.

We are two Indigenous women leaders writing from the frontlines of the battle to save our oceans, our forests, and our planet’s climate. We have good news to share: We know how to beat Big Oil.

From the Amazon rainforest to the shores of the Indian Ocean in South Africa, we have led our communities to mighty victories against oil companies who hoped to profit off our territories. In September 2022, we succeeded in getting a court to revoke a permit that would have allowed Shell to despoil Indigenous farming communities and fishing grounds along the pristine Wild Coast of South Africa. Just a few years earlier in April 2019, we organized Indigenous communities deep in the Ecuadorian rainforests to resist the government’s plans to drill in pristine rainforests and were victorious, protecting half a million acres of forests and setting a legal precedent to protect millions more.

Both were David vs. Goliath victories—and both were opportunities for us to learn where to point that fabled slingshot.

Big Oil has the deepest of pockets and a horrific track record when it comes to corruption, scandal, and environmental crimes. Across the world, Indigenous and local communities know that once the industry gets a foothold in our lands, it leaves ruin in its wake. For instance, the A’i Cofán people of Ecuador’s northern Amazon have borne the brunt of decades of oil industry contamination, deforestation, and health impacts. And the Ogoni people of the Niger Delta have lost their fishing and farming lands to polluting oil operations, and have seen their leaders threatened and murdered when they dared to speak out.

As frontline communities, we must work together to stop Big Oil before they enter our lands. But this, in itself, is no easy task. The industry offers alluring promises of “progress” and “development.” And they have people—in government, the military, police forces, shadowy paramilitary groups, and sometimes in our own communities—who are willing to intimidate, harass, and even kill leaders like us who have the courage to stand up to them. They also have billions of dollars riding on getting permits to suck the oil out of the ground and sea.

So, how did we stop them?

First, we kept our communities together. We fought against the industry’s “divide and conquer” tactics by grounding our battle in our own sacred connection to our lands. Our ancestors and elders understood, as we do today, that Mother Earth is sacred and worth fighting for. We are connected to her through our breath, our stories, our dreams, and our prayers. She gives us everything: water, food, medicine, shelter, meaning. And in return, we protect her.

We also helped our people cut through the false promises and threats by exposing Big Oil’s lies and abuse around the world. That is, we made sure our villagers could learn from the A’i Cofán people of Ecuador, the Ogoni of the Niger delta, and the countless other frontline communities that have suffered at the hands of Big Oil.

As Indigenous women leaders, we know that if we can keep our sacred connection to the land and keep our people united, then we have a fighting chance against any oil company in the world.

We also have the law on our side, which makes Big Oil really vulnerable. In 2007, the U.N. General Assembly adopted the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, which recognized our right to Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) for any activity that affects our ancestral lands. Our shorthand is “Nothing About Us Without Us.” We, Indigenous peoples, the ancestral owners of some of the most biodiverse, carbon-rich places on the planet (the places that the oil industry wants to get their hands on more than anything), have the internationally recognized legal right to decide what happens on our land.

In South Africa, we were able to protect 6,000 square miles of pristine marine ecosystems off the Wild Coast, saving dolphins and whales from deafening seismic blasts on the ocean floor while also protecting local communities and our planet’s climate from the threat of ramped-up offshore drilling. And on the other side of the world, in Ecuador, we leveraged our internationally recognized rights to protect some of the biodiverse rainforest in the Amazon, jamming the Ecuadorian Government’s plans to drill across millions of acres of Indigenous territories.

But the law alone isn’t enough. To move courts and politicians—and to create legal exposure and reputational risk to companies—we need global community support to keep going.

That means getting financial resources to the frontlines, so that we can protect our leaders, organize our communities, and secure our rights. Only a fraction of 1% of all climate funding currently makes it to Indigenous communities on the frontlines of the climate battle. We need to change that.

It also means sharing our stories and shining a spotlight on our struggles, so that local courts and politicians know that the world is watching. Public solidarity not only prevents corruption and back-room deals, but it also energizes our grassroots campaigns.

We need to continue to pressure governments around the world to finally adopt our internationally recognized right to decide what happens in our lands in their national laws and constitutions. Our peoples have been putting our bodies on the line in the battle to protect Mother Earth for centuries. It’s not only a moral imperative that global governments finally recognize and respect our right to self-determination, but it is also one of the most urgent and effective climate strategies—it’s no coincidence that we are the guardians of over 80% of our planet’s biodiversity. In the Amazon rainforest, half of the remaining standing forest is in our territories. Without us and without our territories, there is no climate solution.

To have a fighting chance of keeping global warming below 1.5 degrees Celsius, we can’t afford to be opening up new oil fields in the lungs of the earth. We need to keep our forests standing. We need to transition to renewable energy.

We are writing this because we see that world leaders, businesses, and NGOs are only making slow, incremental progress on climate despite the urgent existential threat we face. Instead of getting frustrated, we’re doubling down on sharing our formula with other Indigenous guardians on the ground.

We know that time is not on our side—but our spirituality and our rights are. So here’s one idea from two Indigenous women leaders that beat the oil industry, and protected our oceans and our forests: Listen to us for a change.

People who recall how the United States and its NATO partners (along with their propaganda mouthpieces in the news media) generated public support for a proxy war in Ukraine may be experiencing a sense of déjà vu.  A similar effort is now underway with respect to Niger and other countries in West Africa.  Washington is upset about a recent military coup in Niger, which was the latest ouster of a pro-Western government in that region.  U.S. leaders are concerned not only because the coups have underscored the fading influence of France, the former colonial master, but because the insurgents have adopted a friendly stance toward Russia.

The Biden administration is especially agitated because Niger has been the linchpin of the U.S. military presence in West Africa.  Washington has stationed more than 1,100 troops there, and maintains multiple drone bases, ostensibly to combat Islamist rebels affiliated with ISIS.  The United States also has provided more than $500 million in security aid to Niger in recent years.

An essential prerequisite for securing American public support for a proxy war – much less for a direct U.S. military intervention – is to exaggerate the relevance of developments to America’s own security and other important interests.  A related task is to generate a sense of urgency.  That effort already has begun, with the establishment news media playing their usual role as the handmaids of government policy.

Michele Kelemen, an NPR correspondent, launched an early salvo.  Her segment, titled “Here’s why Niger’s coup matters to the U.S.,” faithfully echoed the Biden administration’s position. “Niger is vital to U.S. counterterrorism efforts in Africa.  It’s one of the few countries in the region that has agreed to house U.S. drone bases and hundreds of American Special Forces and logistics experts, who are involved in counterterrorism operations against Boko Haram and ISIS affiliates.”  But there was an even greater danger lurking in the background. “The challenge now for the U.S. is to ensure that Niger continues to be a partner in counterterrorism efforts and does not turn to the Russian mercenary group, Wagner, for security assistance, as others in the region have.”

Two officials of Niger’s ousted government also were immediately given prominent platforms for the propaganda offensive.  Not surprisingly, the Washington Post, a reliable mouthpiece for the U.S. foreign policy bureaucracy, has played a leading role.  Just days after the coup, Niger’s ousted president, Mohamed Bazoum, was able to publish a column in the Post.  His arguments seemed tailor-made to echo the allegations of interventionist Russophobes in the U.S. government. “In Africa’s troubled Sahel region, Niger stands as the last bastion of respect for human rights amid the authoritarian movements that have overtaken some of our neighbors.

16 January - Purloin

This museum was full of stolen artefacts. There were vases, spearheads, statuettes, etc. purloined one way or another from foreign nations in Africa and the rest of the world. It was the job, self-appointed, of my friends and I to get them back. It was by no means an easy task, and took lots of planning. We mastered the memorisation of guard routes and security systems, and most importantly how to work around them. I had visited the exhibit earlier in the day, all dolled up in my favourite, garish, hawaiian-shirt and some outrageously bland cargo shorts. While I looked like every other imbecile visiting AUTHENTIC KENYAN STATUES (which were actually from somewhere in Niger), I was actually taking detailed notes on security camera blind spots and other failings. Later that evening, I'd come back with the team for a simple in and out job. A much cleaner operation than when these cultural artefacts were first..."acquired".

The West African nation has been governed for more than two months by a military regime which took power after deposing Niger's elected president, Mohamed Bazoum.

"The Algerian government has received via the Nigerien ministry of foreign affairs a (statement of) acceptance of Algerian mediation aimed at promoting a political solution to the crisis in Niger," the ministry said in a statement.

Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has tasked Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf with "visiting Niamey as soon as possible with the aim of launching discussions… with all stakeholders," the statement said.

The North African country which borders Niger had proposed in late August a transition period of up to six months, which would aim to "formulate political arrangements with the acceptance of all parties in Niger without excluding any party", Attaf said at the time.

In its Monday statement, Algiers said that "the acceptance of the Algerian initiative strengthens the prospect of a political solution to this crisis".

The mediation would "pave the way" toward a "peaceful" resolution of the crisis, it added, saying such an outcome is in the interest "of the entire region".

Tebboune on August 6 said he "categorically" rejected any foreign military intervention in Niger, which borders Algeria to the south.

In Niger, many households are not connected to a drinkable water supply system, and families must devote hours collecting water, a task that often keeps girls out of school.

Today, a truck delivering water to a French military base in Niger was attacked by a group of locals, who smashed the vehicle and threw the bottles of water to the ground.

No, they didn’t consider drinking it.

Education vs. Ignorance: The Ripple Effect on Society

In the grand tapestry of society, two threads weave the destiny of nations and individuals alike: education and ignorance. Each represents a vastly different path, leading to contrasting outcomes that ripple through every aspect of life. This exploration dives into the profound impact these forces have on economic development, social cohesion, political stability, and personal fulfillment, painting a vivid picture of their far-reaching consequences.

Economic Development: Igniting Innovation vs. Perpetuating Poverty

Education: The Spark of Innovation

Imagine a world where every child, regardless of background, has access to quality education. In this world, minds are ignited with curiosity, and the pursuit of knowledge is celebrated. Education serves as the spark that lights the fire of innovation. It equips individuals with the skills to dream big, solve complex problems, and turn ideas into reality. Countries like South Korea and Germany are shining examples, where education has propelled economic growth and technological advancements.

Investment in education transforms societies by creating a skilled workforce that attracts global investments. It fosters entrepreneurship, leading to the birth of new industries and the rejuvenation of old ones. Education opens doors to better job opportunities and higher incomes, breaking the chains of poverty. Nations that prioritize education, such as Finland and Canada, enjoy sustained economic prosperity and elevated living standards.

Ignorance: The Shackles of Stagnation

On the flip side, envision a land where ignorance reigns. Opportunities for learning are scarce, and misinformation spreads unchecked. Ignorance acts as a shackle, binding societies to cycles of poverty and economic stagnation. Regions with limited access to education struggle to compete on the global stage. Innovation is stifled, productivity wanes, and hope dwindles.

Countries with low literacy rates, like Niger and Haiti, often find themselves trapped in economic quagmires. Without the foundation of education, attracting investment becomes a Herculean task, and developing industries remains a distant dream. Ignorance exacerbates economic disparities, leaving uneducated populations vulnerable to exploitation and unable to advocate for their rights.

Social Cohesion: Building Bridges vs. Erecting Barriers

Education: The Great Unifier

Picture a diverse community where education is the bridge that connects people from all walks of life. In this harmonious society, individuals learn about different cultures, histories, and perspectives, fostering empathy and understanding. Education acts as the great unifier, promoting social cohesion and inclusivity.

Through education, societies can address deep-rooted inequalities and empower marginalized groups. Gender equality, for example, flourishes when women have access to education. Educated women are more likely to participate in the workforce, make informed health decisions, and contribute to their communities. Countries that champion education, like Sweden and New Zealand, experience greater social harmony and unity.

Ignorance: The Divider of Societies

Contrast this with a society where ignorance prevails, and divisions run deep. Misinformation and prejudice are rampant, fueling fear and distrust. Ignorance acts as a divider, erecting barriers between communities and perpetuating inequality. Demagogues exploit these divisions, manipulating ignorant masses for personal gain.

In societies dominated by ignorance, social injustices such as gender inequality and racial discrimination are rampant. Marginalized groups remain trapped in cycles of poverty and exclusion, their voices unheard and their potential unrealized. Ignorance breeds conflict, weakening the social fabric and increasing the potential for unrest.

Political Stability: Guardians of Democracy vs. Agents of Chaos

Education: The Guardian of Democracy

In a thriving democracy, education stands as the guardian of informed citizenry. It empowers individuals with critical thinking skills, enabling them to make sound decisions, engage in public discourse, and hold their leaders accountable. Countries like Switzerland and Norway, where education is a cornerstone, enjoy robust democratic governance and political stability.

Educated citizens are more likely to participate in democratic processes, advocate for their rights, and support transparent governance. Education fosters a culture of civic engagement, where people are well-informed about their responsibilities and more likely to contribute to the common good.

Ignorance: The Agent of Chaos

Now, imagine a society teetering on the edge of chaos, where ignorance undermines democratic principles. Uninformed citizens fall prey to propaganda and manipulation, their choices driven by fear rather than reason. Ignorance acts as an agent of chaos, eroding trust in institutions and paving the way for authoritarianism.

Misinformed citizens are disillusioned with the political system, leading to voter apathy and support for extremist movements. In extreme cases, ignorance facilitates the rise of despotic regimes that exploit public naivety to consolidate power and suppress dissent. Countries with low levels of education often struggle with political instability and governance crises.

Personal Fulfillment: Pathways to Enlightenment vs. Shadows of Limitation

Education: The Pathway to Enlightenment

Envision a life illuminated by the light of education, where individuals are free to explore their passions and achieve their full potential. Education is the pathway to personal enlightenment, broadening horizons, fostering creativity, and enhancing problem-solving abilities. Educated individuals are better equipped to navigate life's complexities and make informed decisions.

Education promotes mental health and well-being by providing tools to manage stress, build healthy relationships, and maintain a balanced lifestyle. It instills a sense of purpose and achievement, empowering people to contribute meaningfully to their communities. Those who pursue higher education often experience greater job satisfaction, financial security, and overall well-being.

Ignorance: The Shadow of Limitation

In contrast, a life shrouded in ignorance is fraught with limitations. Lack of education restricts job opportunities, leading to financial instability and diminished quality of life. Ignorant individuals may struggle to make informed decisions about their health, finances, and relationships, resulting in adverse outcomes.

Ignorance contributes to social isolation and mental health issues, as individuals may lack the skills to build and maintain connections. It perpetuates harmful behaviors and attitudes, such as substance abuse, violence, and discrimination, further undermining personal well-being. Without the guiding light of education, potential remains unrealized, and dreams fade into shadows.

Case Studies: Divergent Paths

Finland: A Beacon of Educational Excellence

Finland stands as a beacon of educational excellence, where the pursuit of knowledge is paramount. The Finnish education system emphasizes high-quality teaching, equitable access, and holistic development. Finnish students consistently excel in international assessments, and the nation boasts high literacy rates and low educational inequality.

The ripple effects of Finland’s education system extend beyond academic achievement. The country enjoys economic prosperity, social cohesion, and political stability. Finnish citizens are well-informed, engaged, and capable of critical thinking, which supports democratic governance and overall well-being.

Sub-Saharan Africa: The Struggle Against Educational Disparities

In contrast, many countries in Sub-Saharan Africa face daunting educational challenges. Limited access to quality education, inadequate infrastructure, and socio-economic barriers contribute to high illiteracy rates and low educational attainment. These disparities hinder economic development, perpetuate inequality, and fuel social and political instability.

For example, in nations like South Sudan and Burkina Faso, low literacy rates correlate with high poverty levels, limited economic opportunities, and ongoing conflicts. The absence of education undermines efforts to promote gender equality, improve health outcomes, and build resilient communities. Addressing these educational disparities is crucial for fostering sustainable development and enhancing the quality of life in the region.

Moving Forward: Embracing Education, Combating Ignorance

The stark contrast between education and ignorance highlights the urgent need to prioritize education for societal advancement. Education drives economic growth, fosters social cohesion, supports democratic governance, and enhances individual well-being. In contrast, ignorance undermines progress, exacerbates inequality, and threatens the foundations of democracy.

Investing in education is both a moral imperative and a strategic necessity. Policymakers must ensure equitable access to quality education for all individuals, regardless of socio-economic background. This includes investing in early childhood education, improving teacher training, expanding access to higher education, and addressing barriers for marginalized groups.

Combating ignorance requires a multifaceted approach, including promoting media literacy, encouraging critical thinking, and fostering a culture of lifelong learning. By empowering individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate an increasingly complex world, societies can build a brighter future for all.

Ultimately, the choice between education and ignorance is a choice between progress and stagnation, unity and division, empowerment and oppression. By choosing education, societies can unlock their full potential and create a more just, inclusive, and prosperous world. Let us embrace education as the key to unlocking the doors of opportunity and enlightenment, forging a path towards a brighter tomorrow.

NWAARE, Ghana—In July 2023, an audio message, calling for attacks on the Ghanaian government in response to the forced repatriation of ethnic Fulani asylum-seekers, spread via WhatsApp in northern Ghana.

“The Ghanaian government has begun to forcefully arrest and deport Fulani refugees to Burkina Faso … to destroy and exterminate the Fulani population in Ghana … I’m appealing to [Muslims] located along Ghana-Burkina Faso border to hurry to intervene,” said the message, which was heard by thousands of people. “Please do well to retaliate the blood spilt by the Ghanaian government,” it concluded.

The message was recorded and distributed by a media wing of Jama’at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM), a West African jihadi insurgent group affiliated with al Qaeda.

Between JNIM and affiliates of the Islamic State, insurgents today control almost half of Burkina Faso, parts of central and northern Mali, and territory along Niger’s borders with the two countries. Over the past two years, they have slowly expanded their campaign south into the northern parts of West Africa’s coastal states. Despite a handful of messages attempting to incite attacks against the Ghanaian government, of the four coastal states bordering Burkina Faso, Ghana is the only one that reports that it has not suffered an attack by insurgents.

In interviews, representatives of the Ghanaian government chalk this up to their firm response and the country’s inherent resiliency. However, despite Accra’s confident messaging, evidence gathered across Ghana’s northern regions suggests that insurgents are already operating there. At this point, it appears that insurgents see their access to the country as a safe haven and smuggling route as too useful to destabilize with direct attacks.

However, if the militants’ calculus were to change, they would find many of the same vulnerabilities in Ghana that they have exploited in other countries.

Officials in air-conditioned offices in Ghana’s capital, Accra, projected confidence as they insisted that their government’s robust response has kept the insurgents at bay. Ghana’s decision to spearhead the Accra Initiative, a regional association intended to prevent the spillover of terrorism from the Sahel toward coastal countries, is one of many examples, said Daniel Osei Bonsu, the deputy director of Ghana’s National Counter Terrorism Center.

Since being established by Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Togo, and Benin in 2017, a handful of joint operations along border regions and meetings of intelligence chiefs have been coordinated through the initiative, which is funded in part by the European Union. At a summit in November 2022, leaders announced the creation of a multinational joint task force that will be comprised of 10,000 soldiers and headquartered in Tamale, a city in northern Ghana.

Meanwhile, the Ghanaian government has reinforced the military’s presence across the north. In 2020, Accra released the funds to construct and upgrade 15 forward operating bases close to the borders of Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, and Togo. Three new brigades and two battalions were created and deployed to the Upper East and Upper West regions. The military has acquired new vehicles and communications equipment from the United Kingdom and Israel. And the EU’s chief diplomat, Josep Borrell, recently promised “aerial surveillance, electronic warfare [systems] and river crafts” as a part of a 20 million euro ($21.5 million) aid package to the military.

In 2022, the government launched a “see something, say something” campaign to urge citizens to report suspicious behavior. While officials say the program is a success, Ghanaian journalists have reported officials bemoaning the number of people calling with no other reason than to beg for cell phone credit.

Members of the National Counter Terrorism Center insisted that Ghana’s relatively high level of development compared to some of its neighbors and its culture of democracy protect the country from the same fate that has befallen Mali and Burkina Faso. They pointed out that the country is economically far better off than its Sahelian neighbors, with a GDP per capita more than twice that of Mali and Burkina Faso.

As coups spread across the region, insecurity is growing—and international military involvement could make it worse.

Furthermore, they added, unlike Sahelian countries where most people are Muslim, Ghana is split roughly in half between Christians and Muslims, and thus calls to radicalism have fewer potential followers. Referring to the insurgents’ strategy in the Sahel, they insisted that aggrieved Ghanaians would never be lulled by jihadis promising a more just order because “people know they can receive justice through the country’s institutions,” as Bonsu said. “There might be sentiments in the north,” he continued, “but there are no grievances.”

However, while officials insist that the government is mounting a robust response, there is significant evidence that it has failed to stop insurgents from entering Ghanaian territory.

Communities across Ghana’s 374-mile border with Burkina Faso have long used small footpaths and dilapidated dirt roads to smuggle fuel, fertilizer, and other basic goods far from Accra’s watchful eye. Over the past few years, insurgents have used these informal networks to acquire resources for their campaign in Burkina Faso. Dynamite manufactured in Ghana has been found at militant camps in Burkina Faso.

Sources in Ghana’s Upper East region—who wished to remain anonymous for security reasons—indicated that insurgents have paid Ghanaians to smuggle fuel and personnel across the border on motorcycles. Last September, Burkinabe security forces raided an insurgent camp close to the border and found Ghanaian voter registration cards along with receipts from a Ghanaian shop for bicycles, likely used for the smuggling of goods across the bush paths as motorcycles have become too conspicuous.

Beyond using the Ghanaian border to meet their immediate material needs, there is concern that militants are also involved in trafficking illicit goods to boost their coffers. Analysts have raised the alarm about the presence of insurgents at artisanal gold mines in the Upper West region as well as involvement in the opiate trade. And Maxwell Suuk, a Ghanaian journalist, recently reported that cattle stolen by jihadis were being sold in Ghana’s lucrative livestock markets.

Furthermore, as fighting in Burkina Faso has approached Ghanaian territory, there have been reports of militants retreating tactically across the border and using Ghanaian soil as a temporary safe haven. Late last year in Garinga, a Burkinabe border community, civilian auxiliaries to the Burkinabe military complained that the absence of Ghanaian troops nearby meant jihadis sometimes escaped across the border.

In the nearby Ghanaian village of Nwaare, a community leader confirmed that locals had seen mysterious men who pushed their motorcycles around the edge of town and spent the night in nearby shrubs. Local assemblymen and village chiefs from half a dozen nearby communities reported similar sightings.

Beyond the immediate border, insurgents from Burkina Faso have used Ghana for recuperation. Sources in Tamale who asked to remain anonymous for their safety revealed that they personally knew at least two young Ghanaian men who spent around four months in 2022 resting and receiving medical care at a local hospital before returning to Burkina Faso.

Ghana is not a hotbed of recruitment, but there have been some notable cases. In 2017, Burkinabe preachers visited the dusty town of Karaga and urged young men to join the fight in the Sahel; around a dozen people heeded the call. In 2021, one of these recruits—with the nom de guerre Abu Dujana—recorded a video urging Ghanaians from the Fulani ethnic group to join the jihad. The man later committed a suicide attack against French forces in northern Mali.

While the insurgents operate in Ghana, reports suggest that they explicitly avoid targeting Ghanaian citizens who travel through the territory that they control. There have been multiple reports of people with Ghanaian identification cards being spared at JNIM roadblocks in Burkina Faso. A Ghanaian man who had been detained by insurgents told one of the authors that his captors released him once he was able to prove his nationality.

Ultimately, the insurgents derive significant benefits from using Ghana as a place to rest and restock. “If the insurgents attack Ghana, it would become much harder for them to use Ghana as a safe haven,” said Clement Aapengnuo, a peace and security activist: “At this point, Ghana is more useful stable.”

But the strategy of insurgent groups could change.

Ghana suffers many of the same vulnerabilities that militants have preyed upon in other countries. Similarly to other coastal states in West Africa, northern Ghana is comparatively less developed than the south—a trend with roots in the nation’s colonial history, as a recent analysis by Ghanaian Ph.D. candidate Iddrisu Mohammed Kambala showed. Banditry—ambushes of container trucks, kidnapping of wealthy individuals, and even attacks on businesses in towns—has long been a problem. Beyond relative deprivation and a degree of lawlessness, there are social cleavages and disputes over chieftaincy that could be manipulated by savvy recruiters.

Growing anti-Fulani sentiment across Ghanaian society is also concerning. In the Sahel, some insurgent groups initially attracted recruits from marginalized segments of Fulani communities, which led to stigmatization and widespread abuses against Fulani, which in turn facilitated further recruitment. In Ghana, where Fulani make up around 1 percent of the population, they are often derided as foreigners, scapegoated for crimes, and victimized in mob violence—and high-level officials still repeat dangerous tropes about Fulani being rootless nomads prone to criminality.

These attitudes have resulted in the kind of discrimination that feeds insurgent propaganda. In mid-July 2023, Ghanaian security services forcibly repatriated at least 250 Burkinabe Fulani asylum-seekers who had fled to Ghana. The government claims that these were targeted operations based on security threats, but multiple communities describe mass arrests targeting Fulani—including Ghanaian citizens.

There also appear to be worrying lapses in the Ghanaian government’s response to the escalating conflict in Burkina Faso and Togo. Ghanaian troops were deployed in border regions in 2021, but it was not until a JNIM attack that struck two miles from the border in early 2023 that the soldiers began to patrol with any regularity. A local military source who requested anonymity revealed that the infrequency of patrols was related to a lack of fuel. Residents of border communities still complain that they only see security forces on weekly market days, when they harass rural residents traveling into towns.

Despite the fanfare around the Accra Initiative, information-sharing between Ghanaian forces and their counterparts in neighboring countries is sparse. A Burkinabe commander in the border town of Bittou complained that his conversations with Ghanaian security personnel were infrequent compared to talks with Togolese commanders, and that he instead relied on trusted Ghanaian citizens to pass important messages to Ghanaian soldiers. Beninese Col. Faïzou Gomina confirmed that bilateral channels have thus far been far more useful for coordination than going through Accra. Meanwhile, the multinational joint task force has barely broken ground on its Tamale headquarters.

Informal conversations with police, immigration officers, and other security services reveal a profound ignorance of the severity of the situation in Burkina Faso and Togo. The military purposefully deploys soldiers from southern Ghana; as a result, personnel lack local context and often do not speak the languages of the places they are deployed. When visiting the hamlet of Zakoli, where eight Fulani were killed in mob violence in April 2022, nearby soldiers asked one of the authors to translate for them so they could speak to the survivors that they were guarding.

Furthermore, there have been a number of incidents in which Ghanaian soldiers reportedly used excessive force against citizens, further alienating themselves from the population they are meant to serve. In October, personnel from the Ghana Armed Forces stormed the town of Garu in Upper East, allegedly brutalizing around a dozen men in retaliation for an attack on national security operatives by local vigilantes. In June 2022, police responded to students protesting in Kumasi with pepper spray and live bullets.

While the situation across coastal West Africa is precarious, Ghana is better positioned than its neighbors to confront it. Accra still has time to increase investments in infrastructure, health, and education in the north. Changing the narrative around Fulani and other minorities is also critical. Abuses by security services must be investigated, and perpetrators held accountable.

Ghana can learn from its neighbors and eschew the overly militaristic, Western-led “counterterrorism” approach that enflamed the crisis in the Sahel. It is not too late for Ghana to harness its institutions, resources, and personnel to deal with the threat at its doorstep.

Oborevwori Tasks NDDC on Abandoned Projects' Completion

Delta State Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, has charged the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to complete all ongoing and abandoned projects in the region for the benefit of the people. Governor Oborevwori gave the charge in Asaba at the 6th Meeting of the National Council of Niger Delta (NCND) with Theme: “Stimulating Strategies For Economic Growth and Development in the Niger…

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24th April >> Mass Readings (Except USA)

Wednesday, Fourth Week of Eastertide 

or

Saint Fidelis of Sigmaringen, Priest, Martyr. 

Wednesday, Fourth Week of Eastertide 

(Liturgical Colour: White. Year: B(II))

First Reading Acts of the Apostles 12:24-13:5 'I want Barnabas and Saul set apart'.

The word of God continued to spread and to gain followers. Barnabas and Saul completed their task and came back from Jerusalem, bringing John Mark with them.

In the church at Antioch the following were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen, who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. One day while they were offering worship to the Lord and keeping a fast, the Holy Spirit said, ‘I want Barnabas and Saul set apart for the work to which I have called them.’ So it was that after fasting and prayer they laid their hands on them and sent them off.

So these two, sent on their mission by the Holy Spirit, went down to Seleucia and from there sailed to Cyprus. They landed at Salamis and proclaimed the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews; John acted as their assistant.

The Word of the Lord

R/ Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 66(67):2-3,5-6,8

R/ Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you. or R/ Alleluia!

O God, be gracious and bless us and let your face shed its light upon us. So will your ways be known upon earth and all nations learn your saving help.

R/ Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you. or R/ Alleluia!

Let the nations be glad and exult for you rule the world with justice. With fairness you rule the peoples, you guide the nations on earth.

R/ the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you. or R/ Alleluia!

Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you. May God still give us his blessing till the ends of the earth revere him.

R/ Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you. or R/ Alleluia!

Gospel Acclamation John 20:29

Alleluia, alleluia! ‘You believe, Thomas, because you can see me. Happy are those who have not seen and yet believe. Alleluia!

Or: John 8:12

Alleluia, alleluia! I am the light of the world, says the Lord; anyone who follows me will have the light of life. Alleluia!

Gospel John 12:44-50 I, the light, have come into the world.

Jesus declared publicly:

‘Whoever believes in me believes not in me but in the one who sent me, and whoever sees me, sees the one who sent me. I, the light, have come into the world, so that whoever believes in me need not stay in the dark any more. If anyone hears my words and does not keep them faithfully, it is not I who shall condemn him, since I have come not to condemn the world, but to save the world. He who rejects me and refuses my words has his judge already: the word itself that I have spoken will be his judge on the last day. For what I have spoken does not come from myself; no, what I was to say, what I had to speak, was commanded by the Father who sent me, and I know that his commands mean eternal life. And therefore what the Father has told me is what I speak.’

The Gospel of the Lord

R/ Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

----------------------------

Saint Fidelis of Sigmaringen, Priest, Martyr 

(Liturgical Colour: Red. Year: B(II))

(Readings for the memorial)

(There is a choice today between the readings for the ferial day (Wednesday) and those for the memorial. The ferial readings are recommended unless pastoral reasons suggest otherwise)

First Reading Colossians 1:24-29 I became the servant of the Church.

It makes me happy to suffer for you, as I am suffering now, and in my own body to do what I can to make up all that has still to be undergone by Christ for the sake of his body, the Church. I became the servant of the Church when God made me responsible for delivering God’s message to you, the message which was a mystery hidden for generations and centuries and has now been revealed to his saints. It was God’s purpose to reveal it to them and to show all the rich glory of this mystery to pagans. The mystery is Christ among you, your hope of glory: this is the Christ we proclaim, this is the wisdom in which we thoroughly train everyone and instruct everyone, to make them all perfect in Christ. It is for this I struggle wearily on, helped only by his power driving me irresistibly.

The Word of the Lord

R/ Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 33(34):2-9

R/ From all my terrors the Lord set me free.

I will bless the Lord at all times, his praise always on my lips; in the Lord my soul shall make its boast. The humble shall hear and be glad.

R/ From all my terrors the Lord set me free.

Glorify the Lord with me. Together let us praise his name. I sought the Lord and he answered me; from all my terrors he set me free.

R/ From all my terrors the Lord set me free.

Look towards him and be radiant; let your faces not be abashed. This poor man called, the Lord heard him and rescued him from all his distress.

R/ From all my terrors the Lord set me free.

The angel of the Lord is encamped around those who revere him, to rescue them. Taste and see that the Lord is good. He is happy who seeks refuge in him.

R/ From all my terrors the Lord set me free.

Gospel Acclamation John 13:34

Alleluia, alleluia! I give you a new commandment: love one another just as I have loved you, says the Lord. Alleluia!

Gospel John 17:20-26 Father, may they be completely one.

Jesus raised his eyes to heaven and said:

‘Holy Father, I pray not only for these, but for those also who through their words will believe in me. May they all be one. Father, may they be one in us, as you are in me and I am in you, so that the world may believe it was you who sent me. I have given them the glory you gave to me, that they may be one as we are one. With me in them and you in me, may they be so completely one that the world will realise that it was you who sent me and that I have loved them as much as you loved me. Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, so that they may always see the glory you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world. Father, Righteous One, the world has not known you, but I have known you, and these have known that you have sent me. I have made your name known to them and will continue to make it known, so that the love with which you loved me may be in them, and so that I may be in them.’

The Gospel of the Lord

R/ Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

N3.6trn perishable goods lost annually –– Keyamo

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, has said with appropriate investments, the country can put a stop to the N3.6 trillion worth of perishable goods lost annually. Keyamo, who was represented by Managing Director/Chief Executive of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, told newsmen after the commissioning of Bola Tinubu International Airport, Minna. He said the Nigerian economy and revenue can be deepened when proper investments are made in the exportation of food and other perishables via air transportation. His words: “The overhauling of the runway and construction of the passenger terminal in a very short timeline was a daunting task that required much expense and synergy between all parties involved. I am indeed grateful that this project will forever be seen as a symbol of our nation’s dedication to advancing infrastructure, enhancing connectivity, and fostering economic growth. “We believe that the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport, Minna, will serve as a gateway to the world, facilitating trade, tourism, and collaboration on a global scale. At FAAN, one of our key aspirations is to help grow Nigeria’s economy through the facilitation of exports. We believe that with some investments in the right areas, we can put a huge dent in the N3.6 trillion worth of perishable goods lost annually. READ ALSO: Festus Keyamo: Reaching For The Sky “Therefore, we are excited that His excellency has promised to complete the cargo and international terminals within a short time. We encourage him to do so as we cannot wait to assist the ambitions of the state to be the biggest food producer and food exporter in the country. “This occasion not only pays tribute to a visionary leader but also signifies a new chapter in the development of our aviation industry. President Tinubu’s commitment to progress, innovation, and excellence is evident in all his policies and programmes and at FAAN, we are happy to have partnered with the equally visionary leadership of the Niger State Government, ably-led by Governor Bago, on this project. “His commitment, drive and close monitoring contributed immensely to seeing this project delivered in record time and for this, we are indeed thankful.” Vanguard had reported how on the 4th of January, 2024, a protest led by the Centre for Human and Socio-Economic Rights (CHSR), in collaboration with civil society stakeholders, demanded immediate approval of the Orilowo Perishable Food Market located at Plot 705 Adekunle Bus Stop, Ikorodu Road, Agboyi-Ketu LCDA. Read the full article

MP - Content Overview

After Valentine, I, Tamaradoubra Omonibeke went to represent the Ibani tribe of Opobo in Nigeria in the Russell-Cotes Museum for the Voices of Africa Night.

I will be mainly focusing on Opobo as stated before but I want to put out this research I did for that night. This was a ceremony my mum did when I was younger and aunt did last Christmas. Thus, that's when I declare I'm focusing on my experience, I will re-iterate again, I'm focusing on experiences AROUND me and plan to CONDUCT RESEARCH on it.

Okay now that's cleared, I'll type out the script I used for creating this presentation. My aunt Ibinye who experienced this wrote out HER EXPERIENCE but I just re-worded it a tad.

If I was doing this presentation for visual-communication, I'd make it longer as research is valued, even though the time isn't enough for me to make my case.

Slides

Slide 1 = Introduction

Slide 2 = Opobo’s backstory

Slide 3 = Intro to Iria ceremony and Ukwuta Stage

Slide 4 = Stages (Show pictures and video) (Display beads)

Slide 5 = Stages

Slide 6 = Thank you

Script

Location: Opobo Kingdom is located in the creeks of the Niger Delta Area, of down the South-South geographical region of Nigeria, in Rivers state precisely.

Creation: It was founded in 1870 with King Jaja being it’s ruler. This is a prominent ruler as he was the first recognized rich man in Nigeria.

System of government: As ancient Kingdom, Opobo practices monarchical system of government which is made up of the king and Chiefs who are heads of war Canoe houses. Thus, Jaja ensured his kingdom expanded and conquered other communities as well as trade scope for Riverine people.

Language spoken: Ibani and Ijoid language.

Characteristics: Opobo people are popularly known as lovers of culture and traditions. This is a factor that has made Opobo a tourist attraction. Many travel from all over the world to visit the Kingdom especially at festive periods like end of year/new year celebrations. During these periods a lot of cultural festivals are displayed to mark significant cultural and traditional purposes. The culture loving people of Opobo, organize these events to show case their traditions, customs and cultural practices to the admiration pre of people all over the world. Some of the events include the Opobo International boat Regatta, the Nwaotam cultural festival, the Owuogbo new year masquerade display and the Iria ceremony also known as Egerebite/Bibite in Ibani Language etc.

The Iria ceremony:  is an age-long tradition celebrated in Opobo Kingdom. It is a ceremony that is associated with womanhood rites in Opobo. In Ibani clan, womanhood is the process of becoming a full-blown woman. There are activities and traditional rites associated with womanhood. Every girl child of Opobo is expected to go through certain ceremonial rites as the rites of passage to womanhood before she can be accepted as a complete woman in addition to her marriage ceremony. It is a process of preparing the girl for her future task and responsibility of a woman, a wife and a mother. Iria ceremony is done in two stages. namely, Egerebite and Bibite. Egerebite meaning rawlking Wrapper and Bibite Meaning English (foreign) wrapper.

Women in Opobo attach significant importance to the grooming of their daughters. As the girl grows, her mother makes sure she nurtures her specially by teaching her the right values and etiquette of her culture. This nurturing starts from infant to adulthood. Hence, the girl passes through four stages to get to maturity. The first stage is the Ukwuta stage, and the next Kalaegerebite stage, then the Opu Egerebite and to the Bibite stage.

The Ukwuta stage: starts from five to fourteen years. Earlier before civilization, girls at puberty are adorned with waist beeds, about two to three slings down their hips. It comes in different colors to shade their bodies. As the girl approaches sixteen, her parents especially mother starts arranging for her transition into womanhood which begins with a period of going into fattening room. She is expected to stay there for one or two years as she undergoes the process of initiation.

Kalaegerebite stage: however, modernity has also taken its turn in this process but the tradition is still maintained as Opobo daughters still go through this process. Presently today, the passage to womanhood rights kicks off with the Iriabo (celebrant) and her family notifying the Opobo Women Welfare Committee Chairman of their intentions. This is a committee that works directly under the office of her royal majesty, the Queen of Opobo Kingdom to ensure that women undergoing womanhood rites are organized systematically all over the community. They ensure that the requirements for the procedure are strictly adhered to.

My aunt’s story: It is in fufillment of this tradition that, the families of Athanasius Philip Adafe of the Sam Annie-pepple. House of Opobo town and Mr and Mrs Ibinye and Kumo Amgbaduba of the Peredumu (village) quaters of Okrika Delta State invited friends, family and well-wishers to celebrate the Egerebite and Bibite Iria (celebration of womanhood) ceremony of their daughter and wife at Cyprian Jaja's Compound of Opobo Town on the 30th and 31st of December, 2023.

On the 24th of December, the Iriabo was taken into the fattening room as it is done by women in the family that have previously undergone the process in collaboration with her mother who has presented them with with the required items such as body decorative items like palm oil, Indigo, Nchara, Nzu, Ezizi-awu, Edeala, odo and Uhie wrappers like Akuraku, Ikaki, popo, Suu, Velvet, Demask, Indian George, blouses, Coral beads, Gold and beaded crown  are also presented.

Entrance into fattening room starts when prayers are said for a successful passage and womanhood blessing for the Iriabo. All selected woman will anoint her with palm oil for the process Just like the Story of Esther in the Bible (Esther 2:12) “Before a girl's turn cames to go into King Xerxes, she had to complete twelve months of beauty treatments prescribed for the woman. six months with oil of myrr and six with perfumes and cosmetics”.

The fattening room period lasts for seven days. While in the fattening room, Iriabo does not receive visitors except approved. She is also given special care and attention like being served with special Opobo delicacies such as: fresh fish pepper soup, popo, yam, fulo ukazi etc. She is also given native beauty treats as somebody is assigned to give her body scrubs, massages, and bathing thrice a day. Women welfare delegates also come around periodically to give her lessons on self-care and home-keeping. She’s also taught how to dance to Opobo traditional native beats. Fattening room is indeed a preparatory moment for the Iriabo.

On the Saturday the 30th of December, the seventh day the Iriabo was ready for her first outing. As early as 5am the Iriabo takes her bath as usual but no palm-oil is rubbed on her. She is now allowed to apply her normal body cream and the first inner wrapper was tied on her, signifying the mother covering her privacy. After that, two Suu wrappers are tied on her. One covering from waist to her legs and the other covering from her chest to her legs and with two white hand-kerchiefs in her hands she sits on a chair decorated with wrapper and well-wishers come to see her, praise her and admire her beauty as she takes her seat. She is also given a gift of money that is placed in a flat breakable plate covered with white handkerchief.

More so, the women welfare committee goes round to visit all the Iriabo - on their visits they ask the Iriabo questions to find out her experiences in the fattening room and if questions answered correctly, Iriabo is then certified and allowed rest till evening when comes out fore out.

By four pm in the evening the Egerebite dance outing-proper commences. During this session, the Iriabo was taken to a dressing room called the wrapper house where a certified native dresser attends to her by dressing her up for the different dance outings for the evening. During the first outing Iriabo is dressed in Ikaki wrapper. Second outing is popo and third outing is Ikaki again. She is also adorned with native beads (Kilari) on her neck hands and the rings of her fingers. She also wears a magnificent beaded-crown on her head to project her beauty as she dances around the square of her father’s compound, dancing to tunes and drums of Opobo culture. She dances alongside family and friends (all female) and led by a dance leader who, previously has been teaching her how to dance in fattening room. Family members and other spectators shower the Iriabo with gifts of Money, wrappers, head-ties, etc. Her husband also takes a turn, with pride to appreciate his wife during the dance sessions. Her father goes ahead to honour his daughter. Apart from the dance, guests are also entertained with foods and drinks as the event progresses.

Sunday morning is for thanksgiving at St. Patricks Catholic Church Opobo Town. After the thanksgiving, Iriabo is carried shoulder high on an arm chair fully decorated with native wrappers by boys from the compound that were dressed in same colour t-shirt and plain george wrapper.

Back from church, Iriabo is ushered back into the wrapper house for another session of dance and wrapper displays. The first two outings is a continuation of Egerebite where the Iriabo is dressed in foreign wrappers such as: Damask and Velvet wrappers respectively which are embellished with accessories such as gold chains, bracelets, earrings, blouses to match.

Bibite stage: Subsequently, Iriabo graduates into Bibite where she takes three turns of dressing and outings of George wrappers with blouses to match, hair-ties to match and more coral beads and accessories. The first two sets of George wrappers worn were Intorica George (designed George). And the last outing is a plain-George wrapper which was the climax of the occasion.

At this point the Iriabo becomes a complete Opobo woman, fully-certified. Now, she may sit in the gathering of Opobo women and have a voice.

On Monday our latest Iriabo sets out to go into town in company of two young maidens to show the new Iriabo that has just been conscripted. One carrying an umbrella to shade the Iriabo’s delicate skin from the harsh sun and the other carrying a bag of snacks. She visits the market place and distributes gifts (the snacks) to the market women who in turn pray for her, praise her and give her gifts of money. She also visits important house-holds that are related to her like her uncles, close friends to acknowledge and appreciate them for celebrating with her. They too reciprocate with gifts and appreciate acknowledge her new status. This marks the grand finale of the Wrapper-tying ceremony.

Once more, a great tradition was fulfilled and both families were overjoyed with the success of the event. This is exactly what our beloved sister and daughter Mrs. Ibinye Kumo Amgbaduba has gone through, and we are happy she has successfully completed the process of womanhood according to her cultural practices. Today she has become a full-fledged Opobo Woman with bliss and grace.

Conclusion

Not only was I doing talking but observing myself. I noticed people were keen on the clothes I brought, who does it (the age) and why they are doing it before marriage. This ceremony is done after marriage but some confused it as a wedding ceremony (which is understandable, we have traditional weddings before the white wedding). There's also a video I played to explain this process and I explained the reason it's still being done is because Opobo people like to keep to their culture. Unfortunately, tribes like mine (Ijaw), aren't so conversant with their traditional roots due to Western influence so I find it important that I, continue to keep on the traditions alive even though it is my mother's own (from the tribe of Ibani).

Now, so who is my target audience? I don't want to make it a niche thing by putting an age restriction but for the sake of Visual Communication, this is ceremony is done after 40. Many of the female representing ladies at the African Voice Night were interested and one mother said to her little girl how traditions like this are something to look forward to. Thus, I aim to target interested women because not only is it a break from from life but something to look forward to. Obviously, some of there concerns were related to money (she did wear 9 outfits in one day, including golden ones) and I explained it is something to save up for.

The why to this is, from my experience as being Nigerian is that we are in a terrible political and economical state. However, we always like to celebrate and live our life because if we continue to always mull and be bitter, it's not going to change. Thus, the next thing to be is to be grateful in times of hardships. This is also why most of us are religious and spiritual because it grounds us to believe there is more to life than what we've been given.

Finally, I'll do more research on this obviously as I need to know the little intricacies and more.

Federal Government Urges NDDC Board to Implement Forensic Audit Recommendations

The Federal Government has directed the newly appointed board and management of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to ensure the faithful implementation of recommendations outlined in the forensic audit report. Speaking at a two-day NDDC retreat in Ikot Ekpene LGA of Akwa Ibom State, the Minister of Niger Delta Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh emphasized the importance of addressing factors hindering development in the region to achieve sustainable progress. Momoh highlighted the completion of the forensic audit and the ongoing implementation of its recommendations, including the formation of a new board. He urged the new leadership to diligently execute their tasks in line with the President's "Renewed Hope agenda." The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, appealed for the commission to be removed from the Treasury Single Account framework, citing challenges faced under the current financial structure. Ogbuku stressed the need for increased autonomy in financial management to expedite project delivery and ensure timely execution, while still maintaining transparency goals. In response, the Chairman of the NDDC governing board, Mr. Chiedu Ebie, highlighted the objective of the 2024 Retreat, aimed at aligning the commission with the President's agenda for renewed hope. He emphasized the importance of effective leadership and collaboration in achieving development goals in the Niger Delta region. The retreat aims to foster constructive collaboration and mutual respect among board members and management staff, with a focus on leaving a lasting legacy of development and improvement in the region. Read the full article

Wagner leader Yevgeny Prigozhin reportedly died in a plane crash on Wednesday afternoon. The plane crashed south of Kuzhenkinskoe in Russia’s Tver region, instantly killing all ten aboard. News outlets are pointing to Vladimir Putin. After all, Prigozhin did attempt to stage a coup two months ago. Other outlets claim the Wagner boss has faked his death. Russia is launching an investigation into the crash, but we may never have answers.

“An investigation of the Embraer plane crash that happened in the Tver Region this evening was initiated. According to the passenger list, first and last name of Yevgeny Prigozhin was included in this list,” Russia’s Federal Agency for Air Transport said in a statement.

So why would Putin not have had him arrested or killed after the coup on June 23 that he deemed treasonous? Some may say Putin wanted to maintain a cool head and appear unbothered as if his leadership was never questioned. But why would he choose to take out Prigozhin at this stage? The two men were personal friends. Prigozhin apologized for the attempted coup, claimed he went crazy, and allegedly met with Putin after the incident to apologize.

Prigozhin was allegedly in Belarus with his eyes on Poland. Yet, Russia has not been concerned about Poland. There is an ongoing proxy war between the West and Russia playing out in Niger. There we saw a coup that overthrew the government while chanting “Wagner” and raising Russian flags. He was spotted in Africa on August 21 in a video, which was his first time addressing the public since the failed coup.

“We are working. The temperature is plus 50 [Celsius]. Everything’s the way we like it. PMC Wagner is conducting reconnaissance, making Russia even greater on every continent – and Africa even freer,” Prigozhin said in the video. “Justice and happiness for the African nations,” he said. “We are messing with ISIS, Al-Qaeda and other banditos. We hire real supermen and continue working on tasks that were set to us and we promised to carry out.”

There is a long list of people who would have wanted Yevgeny Prigozhin dead. The White House and others are blaming Putin, but I do not believe it is that cut and dry, although it is mysterious that the plane crashed in Russia. Russia would retaliate against any country or organization found responsible, but they would not be so careless as to attack a NATO nation. So the question remains — who killed Wagner boss, Prigozhin?

Transitioning from Fossil-Fuel Based to Renewable Energy - Dr. Kenny Odugbemi

Transitioning from Fossil-Fuel Based to Renewable Energy

Transitioning from Fossil-Fuel Based to Renewable Energy There seems to be a global consensus for countries around the world to leapfrog to renewable energy in order to contain carbon emissions responsible for global warming. Nigeria, have committed to cutting carbon emissions by phasing out the use of fossil fuels. The Niger-Delta region remains the focal point when it comes to fossil fuel (oil) exploration in Nigeria, with vast swathes of the local environment brutally ravaged by decades of fossil fuel extraction. Not only that, widespread poverty and unemployment have driven large numbers of people, including women in the region into artisanal refining, popularly known as kpo-fire business. The illegal trade has created massive employment opportunities for local populations. Nigeria’s transition fuel to aid the process of phasing out carbon-polluting fuels like crude oil. Meeting this target will put an end to Nigeria’s historical dependence on crude oil. While the national energy transition policy highlights a litany of potential benefits to citizens, it neither makes any specific reference to, nor provision for oil- and gas-dependent communities that will be significantly affected by phasing out fossil fuels. We have surveyef indigenous communities across 3 oil-rich states in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria – Imo, Bayelsa, Rivers. All the surveyed communities focused heavily on the impact by the ✓social, ✓financial, and ✓environmental effects of oil exploration and extraction. The survey around oil producing areas found that policy responses to energy transition have for the most part, been driven by governments and corporations, limiting opportunities to better understand how oil-rich communities, including those dependent on artisanal refining for their livelihoods perceive ‘just energy transitions’: whether or not they support it, and how to engage and facilitate their inclusion in national, regional and global transition plans. Communities are tasked to clean up the environment after fossil fuels in alliance with government agencies have been abandoned and corporations have gone back to their countries. Local communities are looking on how to control the wealth accruing from renewable resources under a green economy. Local communities are also exploring the local livelihoods that are now intertwined with the extraction of fossil mineral resources. Communities are asking whether dependencies, including subsidies, on imported energy products will persist or will be eradicated under a low-carbon economy. Installing and distributing off-grid power and renewable energy infrastructure is not cheap and often far beyond the reach of the common man. Communities are also re-examiining the way to overcome the existing limitations on access to capital and cleaner energy solutions. We need a national transition plans and policies neither made arrangements for cleanup, remediation, compensation, and rehabilitation for host and impacted communities nor for addressing the massive environmental damage that has accompanied the country’s protracted dependence on fossil fuels. Significant gaps further exist between the climate change commitments of the country and the policies put in place to foster energy transition in Nigeria. how do we increase opportunities and participation in the renewable revolution As an alternative to artisanal refining along with all the attendant pollution and harm. Though it will not be easy, there were suggestions for communities to explore feasible (both technical and political) routes. One option worth exploring is the idea of community-owned cooperatives launching their own renewable products and services. They could partner with experienced technical partners and then use their own land to build solar farms and use some of the electricity for themselves exporting the rest to the grid. Without the creation of alternative livelihoods, sadly, artisanal refining will continue. Another clear finding is that while the world clamors for an urgent shift to a low-carbon future, the needs and priorities of different contexts vary. And that variance in the contextual needs and priorities in different jurisdictions should inform how, why, and when to transit. Trajectory of sustainable energy pact from fossil-fuel to renew energy Nigeria is rich in conventional energy resources such as oil, national gas,lignite,and Coal Way forward There is need for close cycle approach in which carbon is extracted from ground, processed for it's content and returned into safe and stable sinks for permanent disposal Nigeria will explore these abundant energy sources such as Wind,and Solar,emitted number green gas to be readily available being cheaper than Coal,oil and gas Renewable energy option Renewable clean energy solutions for self consumption where photovoltaic solar panels generate enough Electricity Decentralize solar energy generation Develop and implement biogas generation using biomass technology Effort so far? Nigeria FGN recently launched it's energy plan ETP This laudable inniatives was designed to simultaneously tackle challenges of energy poverty and climate change crisis Pillars of Support These includes Access Efficiency Sustainability Security Financial energy transition There are two forms of financial flows Capital investment Concession Grant payment Investment projection Investment need of $35trn is required by 2030 for successful energy transition to be facilitated by development and agreement between parties of detailed, credible and long view transition plan to engender confidence to contribute to net zero target Energy transfer-ET ET can be purchased through Banker broker, financial institution Financial participations Financial activities includes transactions in debt equity and dividend as this varies with different Capita structure, dividend policies Financial pillars in energy transition Use of proceed Project evaluation Traceability-managing proceed Transparency - Monitoring Reporting Conclusion Nigeria need global support that will enhance sustainable economy Soliciting global financial support for social, environment,social goal in particular climate change Types of fund Sustainable fund Impact investment Adaptation investment Microfinancing Active ownership Credit for sustainable project and development of financial system in a sustainable way We will also require private investigators participation in the local contents adaptation using local Indigenous technology to develop products and services that will ease seamless transition from our present fossil fuel to Renewable energy and net zero target 2050 Read the full article

By • Olalekan Fagbade Nigerian Army confirms death of soldier in boat mishap The Division 6 of the Nigeria Army in Port Harcourt, Rivers State has confirmed the recent death of a soldier in a boat mishap in the state. The deceased soldier and some other military officers were reportedly on operation when their boat capsized on Bolo rivers in Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area of the state at the weekend. The soldier couldn't survive the incident as he died before he could be rescued, but others survived. Confirming the development in Port Harcourt, the Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations Major Jonah Danjuma said the victim was one of the people deployed in the area to protect the nations critical infrastructures. Danjuma explained that the boat conveying the soldier had met a strong wave which upturned it, and that the soldier was declared missing after the incident before his remains were found. He said: “The Headquarters 6 Division, Nigerian Army (NA) mourns a soldier killed during an unfortunate boat mishap that occurred at Bolo waterways, in Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area of Rivers State on Saturday, 25 November 2023 while on active duty. “The soldier was one of the soldiers deployed on duty in the waterways in the Niger Delta region to safeguard critical national assets. “The gun boat conveying the late soldier was hit by a turbulent wave, which led to the unfortunate accident. The soldier was declared missing after the boat accident. Consequently, a search and rescue mission was launched, and his lifeless body was recovered. Additionally, the boat involved in the accident has also been recovered. “The General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, NA/Land Component Commander, Joint Task Force, South South, Operation DELTA SAFE, Major General Jamal Abdussalam while commiserating with the deceased family, expressed sadness over the unfortunate incident.” Danjuma noted that that the late soldier paid the supreme sacrifice in the defence of his fatherland and service to humanity, adding that he would be greatly missed by the NA and the nation at large.