By Our Correspondent

At last Anambra Police Command has unveiled the identity of the detained masquerade reported to have assaulted scores of innocent people and destroyed a lot of property at Awgbu, Orumba North Local Government area, Anambra state, has been revealed as Ifesinachi Ezeolu, aged 28, by the state Police command.

Recall that the detention of the masquerade followed widespread public concern and reports of assaults and intimidation of residents by the masquerade.

In a statement by the state Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Tochukwu Ikenga, (SP), he said that, “The Command wishes to clearly state that the Nigeria Police Force respects and recognises the cultural and traditional practices of the people.

” However, no cultural activity or belief system should be used as a cover to harass, assault, intimidate, or violate the fundamental human rights of citizens.

“The Command also emphasizes that masquerade activities, like all public gatherings, must be conducted peacefully and within the confines of the law.

“Therefore, any act capable of causing fear, injury, or public disorder will be promptly addressed. Meanwhile, investigations are ongoing to identify and bring to justice other suspects who are linked to the incident,” he maintained.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, CP, Ikioye Orutugu, has reassured residents that the Command will continue to work with traditional rulers, community leaders, and stakeholders to promote peaceful cultural expressions, while ensuring the safety and rights of all individuals.

By Magnus Chukwudi, Port Harcourt.

The Dikenafai Ancient Kingdom in Ideato South Local Government Area LGA of Imo state, has celebrated the first public outing of its new traditional ruler, the Eze Ebubedike II of Dikenafai, His Royal Highness HRH Eze Ezekiel Uchenna Odoemena.

The event held at Ezumezu Dikeoshie, marked the monarch’s first official presentation and celebration of leadership, unity, and cultural heritage.

Highlights of the ceremony included: free medical outreach, showcasing of the kingdom’s commitment to community welfare. Other activities were ; peace talks with traditional rulers, emphasising unity and cooperation; and conferment of chieftaincy titles on illustrious sons, who had contributed to Dikenafai’s development. The programmes further comprised a visit to the Orie Ukwu market, promotion of local farm products and distribution of goods to restore the market’s glory and traditional wrestling, ‘Ekere Mgba.’

Eze Ezekiel Odoemena affirmed that the ‘Ezumezu’ festival is meant to unite the people, just as it signifies a new beginning for the community. He observed that the medical outreach was not just about providing healthcare, but also about building trust and unity in the community.

The royal father noted that the community recognised the critical challenges in healthcare access and used the medical outreach to bridge the gaps in healthcare delivery in Dikenafai.

The Chairman of the Central Planning Committee of the event, Chief Joachin Olumba, Emetumba I, described the outreach programme as a unique opportunity for the people to access free medical care, assuring that, it would help unite them.

He stressed: “There is nothing better than peace, because there can be no development without it.”

He applauded the free medical outreach, which provided essential medical services, including check-ups, treatments, and health education. He also commended the team of doctors, nurses, and volunteers, who worked tirelessly to make a positive impact on the community.

He said that the medical outreach provided numerous benefits, including improved access to healthcare services for underserved populations, free medical treatment and health education to promote preventive care.

The Traditional Ruler of Umuakam Autonomous Community, the Akamigbo III of Umuakam, Eze P.E. Ewuzie, commended Eze Odoemena, for facilitating the medical outreach, which brought doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals to the community level.

He congratulated the Dikenafai monarch on his formal recognition by the Imo State Government and on receiving the support of his people.

The Chairman of the Sub Committee on Publicity and Protocol, Chief Azubuike Erunugha, Ph.D, stressed the importance of regular medical check-ups.

He stated: “True community health goes beyond treatment to sustained awareness, lifestyle adjustments, and prevention.”

“Our focus is not only on treatment but also on prevention, through sensitisation and community health education,” he said.
Erunugha expressed gratitude to partners, volunteers and community members, noting that their collaboration amplified the programme’s impact.

The Head of the Medical Outreach team and the Dean of the College of Medicine at the University of Lagos, Prof. Francis Duru, credited the success of the outreach to the collaboration between Eze Odoemena and other stakeholders.

“This initiative underscores the power of collaboration. We were able to mobilise resources, personnel, and expertise to achieve remarkable outcomes. The smiles we see today are our greatest reward,” he said.

Prof Duru assured that the medical outreach would now be an annual event with better services. He thanked the medical professionals who participated in the outreach programme.

The President, Inclusive Health Corporation USA, Dr Ikechi Okwara, observed that the medical outreach, organised at the instance of Eze Odoemena was exploratory in the sense that it laid the foundation for future medical interventions.

He said that, beyond providing basic medical services to the less privileged, the medical outreach also served as a platform for health education, raised awareness of diseases and their prevention, and promoted healthy practices.

Dr Okwara said that by educating the community, the outreach would encourage healthier lifestyles and the adoption of preventive measures to reduce the burden of diseases.

He stated that the medical outreach would help level the playing field, ensuring that more people have access to the care they need, regardless of their economic status.

Also speaking, a former member of the House of Representatives, Right Hon. Pascal Chigozie Obi, remarked that the medical intervention had given hope to the hopeless and helpless.

Another member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Barr Ikeagwuonu Onyinye Ugochinyere, graced the occasion. ###.

By Uthman-Baba Naseer,Minna

The Commissioner for Culture and Tourism in Niger State,Hajiya Ladidi Bawa Bosso has reiterated the State government’s direction towards supporting preparedness of local artistes and repositioning the state as a hub for cultural tourism during a strategic engagement.

The Honourable Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Ladidi Bawa Bosso, has reaffirmed the Niger State Government’s commitment to supporting local artistes and repositioning the state as a hub for cultural tourism during a strategic engagement with the Niger State Artistes and Entertainment Group.

In an interface with representatives of eight key creative groups, including musicians, actors, comedians, fashion designers, and other stakeholders in the arts and entertainment sector Hajiya Ladidi admonished them to use their talents to bring about how to make Niger State a hub of cultural activities in the state.

Addressing the management and staff of the UK Bello Art theatre in Minna, Hajiya Bawa Bosso described culture as a critical asset for economic growth and social cohesion, stressing the need for sustained collaboration between government and creatives. She noted that Niger State’s rich cultural heritage, artistic talents, and hospitality provide strong foundations for tourism development and job creation.

“Our culture is our strength. By working together, we can project Niger State’s arts, traditions, and creativity to the world, unlock economic opportunities, and position the state as a preferred cultural and tourism destination,” she stated.

Artistes at the meeting openly shared concerns bordering on funding, infrastructure, access to platforms, and recognition for local content.

They called for increased support for events, improved facilities, and more opportunities to showcase their talents within and beyond the state.

Responding, the Director Culture of the ministry Mrs. Marter Ibrahim, alongside the Acting Executive Director Arts Council Malam Baba T. Dokochi, expressed appreciation to the Commissioner for the inclusive engagement and assured stakeholders of the Ministry’s resolve to translate discussions into actionable outcomes.

The meeting was attended by management staff of the Ministry and concluded with a shared commitment to building a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable cultural and creative ecosystem in Niger State.