Images of Ebiraland

During the month of Ramadan, Muslims observe a strict fast and participate in pious activities such as charitable giving and peace-making. It is a time of intense spiritual renewal for those who observe it. At the end of Ramadan, Muslims throughout the world observe a joyous three-day celebration called Eid al-Fitr (the Festival of Fast-Breaking). Eid al-Fitr falls on the first day of Shawwal, the month which follows Ramadan in the Islamic calendar. It is a time to give in charity to those in need, and celebrate with family and friends the completion of a month of blessings and joy.Before the day of Eid, during the last few days of Ramadan, each Muslim family gives a determined amount as a donation to the poor. This donation is of actual food -- rice, barley, dates, rice, etc. -- to ensure that the needy can have a holiday meal and participate in the celebration. This donation is known as sadaqah al-fitr (charity of fast-breaking). On the day of Eid, Muslims gather early in the morning...

A critical analysis of the history of Ebiraland and its people shows that they were not born with the culture of violence in them. Rather, they were, known for their industrial and Productive farming activities, especially in such states as Ondo, Edo and, to some extent, Oyo states, lived peacefully with their brothers and sisters of the famous Kwararafa Kingdom of the 17th century. This is reflected in their name, "Ebira", which means "good manner", blended with rich cultural heritage that could hardly be eclipsed by any standard culture in the then Nigerian area of the pre-colonial, colonial, and post-colonial periods, according to the available historical and archival materials of recorded human activities. However, the down of modern political development and the selfish nature of the current political terrain of the country, which has set politicians and the electorate on the collusion course in the realm of rats race syndrome, for the survival of the stronges...

An international dimension was yesterday added to the on-going controversy surrounding the collapse and inefficiency of the Ajaokuta Steel Company. The African Iron and Steel Association revealed that the World Bank was behind the efforts at stunting the growth and development of the largest steel firm in Africa. The revelation was made by the secretary-general of the professional body, Dr. Sanusi Mohammed, while speaking to newsmen in Abuja yesterday. The association also called on President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua to constitute an independent panel to investigate allegations that his Minister of Justice, Micheal Aondoakaa, was frustrating the prosecution of the Global Infrastructures Nigeria Limited (GINL) owned by Indians. According to Mohammed, "The World Bank has no doubt contributed to the destruction of the steel and iron sectors in the country. In 1990, the bank sent a team to inspect facilities at Ajaokuta which reported back to it. The report condemned the progress being...

Our recent visit to Lokoja for the coverage of the Peace song audition revealed a town fast growing into a commercial city. New businesses are surfacing while fun seekers are finding it easier to hang out as new clubs and classy hotels are seen everywhere. Our investigation revealed that the recent rise in the development of the confluence city is not unconnected to the Clannish/political crises rocking Okene and environs for some months now. As more Ebiras find refuge in the Confluence city, Landlords and business owners now enjoy higher patronage. The infrastructural developmental spirit of the Ebiras have been shifted to Lokoja for security purposes. Among the refugees are Ebira elders, political office holders and politicians, women and children. There is a steady rise in the cost of acquiring landed properties as Ebira refugees compete for the best land to raise their new homes. An observer, a resident in Lokoja who begged anonymity told EbiraView that some of the new settlers hav...

The peace campaign in Ebira land has taken a new dimension as Ebira singers prepare for a peace song intended to communicate message of peace and peacful co-existence among Ebiras home and in the Diaspora. Organized by Ebira famous singer, engineer and TV presenter, Edward Jatto (EdJatto), the project began since about four weeks ago after consultations with the singers. Some of the artistes arrived Lagos 3 weeks back for the audition at the Riverdale Muti-media Studio, Allen Avenue, Ikeja. Among the artistes lined up are Fregene, Anavami, Dan Ozizi (Project coordinator), Odora & Wizzy, Jim Adeiza (Folly Kent), Ajoze, Echunavo, Umachaku, Ogavuda, Ohunene, Percento, Professor and more. As the project enters its 4th week, the crew were in Lokoja, Kogi state capital from Friday, September 5th till Tuesday, September 9th 2008 before leaving for Lagos for the final session. While in Lokoja, the crew toured round the confluence city, giving EbiraView a good opportunity to access the tour...

The famous Ebira TV talk show, Ebira Opete from the stable of Ebira Opete Communications will begin airing from NTA Lokoja, Kogi state. The program, slated to begin Monday the 18th of August 2008 promises to take Ebiras by storm. Speaking with EbiraView in Ikeja Lagos, program anchor, Mrs. Memunat Ozianahutu Mukhtar said the decision to broadcast from Lokoja was in response to the pressures from their teeming viewers to bring the program closer to the people who form the primary focus of the show. According to her, the positive response from some well meaning Anebira to their appeal for securing airtime at the homefront contributed to the commencent of the show in Lokoja. She however appealed to Ebiras home and abroad to ensure the sustenance of the program in Lokoja while stressing the need to take the program to major TV stations across the country. Responding, his colleague, Musa Ozi Ohi described the step as 'too necessary at a time like this' stressing lamenting the lack o...

Championed by award winning Alhaji Abubakar Imam and formed in mid 2005 by a group of Kogi central senatorial district citizens resident in Abuja, Ebira Peace Project (EPP)'s concept emanated from the degeneration of the hitherto peaceful socio-political and economic activities of Ebira community to the total breakdown of law and order in the area. Based on the geographical, political and the economic importance of Ebiraland to Kogi state and Nigeria as a strategically located area linking the North and South of the country, the formation of EPP was desired to gaurantee the safety of the lives of Ebiras, Kogites and Nigerians respectively living in and crossing the area on daily basis. The sensitive nature of their concept and diffcult terrain choosen to operate therefore caused consultation, sensittization and mobilization to form the bedrock of their approach to the multifaceted problems of violence in Ebiraland. Their activities are holistically tailored at educating and re-orie...