By David Owei, Bayelsa

A New Year reunion party of indigenes of Brass Island in Bayelsa State brought together former political adversaries, offering a fresh push for reconciliation after years of divisions driven by political differences.

The event, organised by the group Old Time Friends in Brass Island and sponsored by former federal lawmaker Rt. Hon. Israel Sunny Goli — who represented the Nembe/Brass constituency in the House of Representatives — took place at the Banquet Hall of the Government House. It drew traditional rulers, politicians, youth and women leaders, signalling a collective desire to move beyond past animosities.

Attendees described the atmosphere as enthusiastic and hopeful. HRH Moses Theophilus Kenibara V, the traditional ruler of Moko Ama, Sangana, expressed delight at the gathering and called for sustained peace.

“The enthusiasm among those present was contagious,” one participant noted, highlighting the warm interactions among long-estranged kinsmen.

High Chief Dr. Kune Igoni Claudius, who chaired the occasion, described the reunion as historic. “The forum and today’s celebration are a signal of better things ahead,” he said. “What is happening here should serve as an awakening of all of us. It reminds us that friendship should last longer than misunderstandings, and that old quarrels, like expired phone numbers, should not be redialed.”

Claudius praised the sponsor, noting Sunny Goli’s track record in fostering unity. “Rt. Hon. Sunny Goli has a gift for bringing people together. Unity is his profession,” he said. “He would have retired with honours. The initiative reflects his belief that leadership is not about titles alone but about bringing people together, especially those who have not seen each other since hairlines were still negotiating peacefully.”

He urged residents to seize the moment as a turning point. “Life is too short and reunions are too rare to waste time on grudges that even we can no longer remember clearly,” Claudius added. “The people of Brass Island should rejoice together rather than return to the animosities of the past.”

Sunny Goli, the event’s initiator, framed the gathering as a revival of traditional communal ties. “The gathering has shown the positive disposition of all Brass Islanders to the issue of reawakening social life on the island,” he said. “It is to bring people who have not seen each other for a decade or two together.”

He emphasised broader implications: “It is a message to all that the social and economic life of our people should return in the atmosphere of peace.”

The reunion underscores ongoing efforts in Brass Island — part of Brass Local Government Area — to overcome political fractures that have strained families and communities for decades, with organisers positioning it as a foundation for renewed harmony and progress.

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 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.