Images of Ebiraland

By Onimisi Nurudeen The "cultural heritage" of Ebira masquerades holds a unique place in the hearts of some people of Kogi Central, like every other tribe in Nigeria. This tradition transcends the average religious-minded individuals and unites them in celebration, creating memories cherished by many. However, the recent events involving clashes between masquerade supporters and security personnel, coupled with persistent disruptions to public order, underscore the urgent need for reform in how these festivals are conducted. The Kogi State Government, through its Ministry of Culture and Tourism, has a golden opportunity to address these challenges while preserving and elevating the "beauty" of the Ebira masquerade tradition. Establishing a well-coordinated central cultural ground or arena for masquerade displays can transform these festivals into a harmonious and celebrated cultural event. This dedicated space would serve multiple purposes: 1. A Safe Pla...

Heavy gunshots rang through the town of Okene today when followers of a popular masquerade engaged in a violent confrontation with men of the Nigerian Army. An eye witness who spoke with EbiraView Media on condition of anonymity narrated the trail of event that led to the violent clash. Acoording to the eye witness accounts, trouble started when a soldier in mufti was accosted in Okene town and was beaten by a masquerade known as Akamawu from Kuroko community of Adavi local government. The soldier was said to have reported the encounter to his colleagues guarding CCECC expatriates staff yard around  Inoziomi area. EbiraView Media further gathered that as the masquerade and the followers approached the Inoziomi community, they were ambushed by the military men around Kahal Cinema area and then started firing into the air to disperse the crowd before descending on the masquerade. The masquerade was reported to have been heavily molested by the uniform men till the costume...

A Professor of history and the Provost of National Defence College Abuja, Professor Adam Ahmed Abere has stated that farming, craft making are the culture of Egbira people and that masquerade was never part of the history of Egbira people. According to the professor, it is a borrowed culture which is been practiced by many ethnic groups like Igbo, Yoruba, Igala and host of others in Nigeria. The Professor, in his keynote address at the annual lecture of Egbira Progressive Elites, Area 10, Abuja emphasises on the preservation and documentation of Egbira history, saying proper document will help our children from consuming the conjecture and fabrication history. According to him, the history of Egbira is long one; language, the people and their land, their culture before 10th century, Egbira people existed at the Northeast, by 14th century they flourished in central Nigeria around the current Gongola Rivers, Taraba, Benue, Adamawa etc.Thereafter, they moved into the current a...

The honourable commissioner for women Affairs and social development, Hajia Fatimah Momoh has extended love and support to orphanages and children with special needs in commemoration of the yuletide season. Honourable Fatimah donated food items and cash gifts to orphanage homes and school for special children across Lokoja metropolis as a gesture of love and care from the Governor Ododo led administration. While delivering food items to Stagy Orphanage in Adankolo, the commissioner commended the uncommon commitment of the compassionate Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo in putting smiles on the faces of Kogi citizens particularly the less privileged during this festive season. Hon. Fatimah noted that beside the early payment of salary to ensure timely preparation of the yuletide season for Kogi civil servants, he equally donated food items to both the workers and the needy to make the celebration a memorable one for all. The c...

It was a moment of joy as His Royal Majesty, Ohinoyi Ebira, Alh. (Dr.) Ahmed Tijani Muhammed Anaje, was honored with the prestigious African Hero Award as the Traditional Ruler of the Year 2024. This recognition was bestowed upon him by Africa Image Communication for his outstanding contributions to community development, promoting peace, unity, and cultural heritage. The award ceremony, held at the Ayonete Hotel and Suites in Lokoja, was attended by distinguished guests, including academicians, government officials, business leaders, and diplomats. They praised His Royal Majesty for his selfless leadership, noting that he treats everyone with love, concern, and fairness, regardless of their background or tribe. His Royal Majesty's numerous initiatives and projects have had a profound impact on the community, promoting unity and peace. The CEO of Africa Image Communication, Mr. Charles Owa, emphasized that the nation could learn from His Royal Majesty's wisdom, part...

For quite a while now, less than a year, after the ascension of HRM, Alhaji Dr Ahmed Tijani Muhammed Anaje, Ohinoyi Egbira, to the throne, many natives are witnessing a sudden trend and usage of native apparels especially the traditional woven clothes popularly known and called Ita-Inochi amongst the Egbira Opetes.  Authoritative historical documents and oral narrations have it that Egbira men were known as warlords, herbal medicine practitioners, farming, hunting, carvings, fishing and even black smithing chores were a dominant Republicans in the old Kwararafa kingdom.  The women folks of Egbiras are well known for domestic schedules, cooking, harvest duties in the farms, child bearing  and the most pronounced earlier recorded history of Egbira women vocation and trade is cloth weaving, starting from sowing of cotton seeds, harvesting cotton wool, spurning the wool to fine threads and eventually in an intrinsic manner wove clothings from locally constructed o...

By Abdul Mohammed Lawal Leadership is often seen as a fragile bridge of trust; built with vision, maintained with integrity, and, most times, tested by the actions of others. His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, is an example of the strength needed to overcome such tests. His leadership in Kogi State broke barriers, empowered ordinary people, and set a "New Direction" for governance. Yet, it was not without its share of betrayals, challenges, and eventual redemption. From the beginning of his administration, Bello’s leadership was focused on empowering the average Kogite. He broke away from the old system of privilege, and gave opportunities to those who might never have had a chance to rise to prominence. By trusting these individuals with important responsibilities, Bello redefined governance and opened doors for many. This vision brought beautiful results. Many of those Yahaya Bello empowered became successful leaders, and proved his ability to recognise and nu...