GST 121 ASSIGNMENT

QUESTIONS

1. Mention at least Seven (7) criteria used to evaluate quality of information and write short note on        any five (5) of them
OR
1. Mention seven (7) Access/Retrieval tools in the our libraries and briefly explain them
2. CLICK ON ANY ADVERTS AND COMMENT ON IT IN YOUR ANSWER SHEET

NOTE:  Submission of the assignment is on MARCH 11, 2018
               Use legible handwritten
                Indicate reference(s) consulted, (Author(s), Title, Publisher, Place of publication, Year of                      Publication, Website address (If any).

Alex Ekwueme is Dead?

What I know about late Alex Ekwueme - Babangida 
: Eromosele Ebhomele .

What I know about late Alex Ekwueme - Babangida Author: Eromosele Ebhomele  Former military president, Ibrahim Babangida, says he is deeply pained by the death of Alex Ekwueme - Babangida says he is joining every Nigeria as well as the people of Anambra state in this trying period - He describes Ekwueme as very simple despite his enviable qualifications Former military president, Ibrahim Babangida, has joined other top Nigerians mourning late Alex Ekwueme, a one-time vice president of the country. Babangida described the death of Ekwueme as a big loss to Nigeria, especially as he died at a time the invaluable roles of elder-statesmen are needed for national cohesion. The media office of the retired military general said on Monday, November 20 in Minna, Niger state that Babangida is really pained by the demise of Ekwueme.  The statement revealed that Babangida received the news of Ekwueme’s death with heavy heart but took solace in his exemplary life while on earth. Babangida said he was joining every Nigerian to mourn the death of Ekwueme while describing the late former vice president as virtuous and simple in character. The Nigerian Tribune reports him as saying the death of Ekwueme has left a very big vacuum in the quest for true national unity and peaceful co-existence. “His simplicity is a rare virtue, despite his intellectual depth. “I have come to know him with carriage of a man that is always living a very worthwhile life built on values and morality, we will miss him, Nigeria needs people like him now than ever. “I condole with the family of the late Dr Ekweme, the government and people of Anambra state and Nigerians. “I pray that God gives the family and all of us the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss,” he said. NAIJ.com earlier reported that Atiku Abubakar, who mourned the passing of Alex Ekwueme, described the former vice president as a good man. "Saddened by the passing of Alex Ekwueme, our former vice president. He was a man of character and never faltered in his belief in Nigeria," he said. .

50 REASONS TO READ BOOKS

50 REASONS TO READ BOOKS*

📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖

1. Books help to feel more confident.

2. Books help to travel around the world in the cheapest way.

3. Books develop your personality.

4. Books provide food for thought.

5. Books make you laugh and think.

6. Books draw you towards perfection.

7. Books stimulate creativity.

8. Books bring out writing talent.

9. Books help in communicating.

10. Books clear your vision.

11. Books satisfy your curiosity.

12. Books help you make more choices.

13. Books help you build literary talent.

14. Books do not require any special device to teach.

15. Books increase your attention span.

16. Books are fruitful pastime.

17. Books can be used anytime, anywhere.

18. Books provide entertainment, when others fail.

19. Books make you powerful.

20. Books help you know the 'Whys' and 'Hows' of everything.

21. Books help you to create and spread fun.

22. Books help you travel across time intelligently.

23. Books keep you updated with facts and figures.

24. Books spread love, affection and knowledge.

25. Books make the best of friends.

26. Books take you to intellectual environment.

27. Books help you feel the world around you.

28. Books entertain your mind.

29. Books broaden your horizon.

30. Books bring Nature to your doorstep.

31. Books bring about a 'personality change'.

32. Books increase comprehension.

33. Books do not require company.

34. Books are stress-busters.

35. Books develop a sense of belonging to people around you.

36. Books provide mental and physical relaxation.

37. Books act as a communication tool.

38. Books are intellectually satisfying activity.

39. Books provide spiritual experience.

40. Books provide emotional strength.

41. Books build your self-esteem.

42. Books help and encourage your imagination to soar.

43. Books make you smarter and wiser.

44. Books help you grow.

45. Books take you to a 'world of dreams'.

46. Books can change your life and vision.

47. Books help in achieving 'life goals'.

48. Books develop wonderful experience.

49. Books transform lives.

50. Books inspire, books motivate, books build nations.

N-Power: Presidency deploys 176,160 graduates.

                  N-Power
David Oladele
The federal government disclosed the total number of graduate beneficiaries deployed under the N-Power programme - The government said the total number of graduate beneficiaries is 176,160 - It noted that they are from all 36 states, including the FCT The federal government has disclosed that a total of 176,160 graduate beneficiaries have been deployed under its Social Investment Programme, N-Power. According to Punch, this figure was contained in a book entitled: ‘‘Making Steady, Sustainable Progress for Nigeria’s Peace and Prosperity: A Mid-Term Report Card on the Buhari Administration’’ co-authored by the presidential media team. It was learnt that the book is expected to be presented by All Progressives Congress, APC, National leader, Bola Tinubu on November 16.  It was stated in the book that N-Power programme, reached 200,000 graduate beneficiaries from all 36 states, including the FCT. The book read that out of the 25,840 selected applicants, 11, 884 beneficiaries were disqualified after physical verification or had incomplete records, adding that the remaining 13,956 beneficiaries were absent from physical verification. Also, the book said in other to ensure gender balance, 46 per cent of the total 200,000 beneficiaries selected were female while 1, 126 applicants with disabilities were also picked. . According to the book, a centralized project management unit was currently being set up to carry out monitoring and evaluation of the programme across the country. In addition to this, a memorandum of understanding has been signed with the national orientation agency to also carry out monitoring and evaluation in all 36 states, including the FCT. Meanwhile, NAIJ.com had reported that the government debunked claims that it released names of successful candidates for its 2017 N-Power scheme. FG said it is irresponsible for news organizations to publish unverified stories.

Sergeant kills self, army captain, others in Chibok

Sergeant kills self, army captain, others in Chibok 
Author: Jerrywright Ukwu 

- Tragedy struck in Chibok community, Borno state on Sunday, November 12 - A Nigerian army staff sergeant killed his superior officer while they were tussling for his gun - The situation has put back Chibok community in the news again for the wrong reasons A report by Sahara Reporters indicates that a Nigerian army staff sergeant, Silas Ninyo (93NA/36/2608) shot dead his superior, Captain T. Mani on Sunday, November 12. 

According to the report, Captain Mani stopped Sergeant Ninyo from beating innocent civilians in Chibok, Borno state after responding to distress calls from locals. On getting to the scene, Mani reportedly attempted to disarm the sergeant, but was killed in the process, while the solider killed himself and injured four others around. 

“A team of soldiers, led by one Captain T. Mani (N/14430), was providing security for worshippers during Sunday service in Chibok and received a distress call that Staff Sergeant Ninyo was beating civilians for unknown reasons. “Captain Mani, accompanied by soldiers, moved to the scene and freed the civilians. But while trying to disarm the errant soldier, Captain Mani was shot dead by Staff Sergeant Ninyo, who later shot himself dead after killing four others,” a situation report by the Nigerian army said. 

The report stated that the corpses of both soldiers have been deposited at a military hospital in Yola, Adamawa state, adding that troops are on red alert to avert any untoward reaction following the incident. 
The incident comes two days after a Brigadier-General, Lym Hassan was being lined up for prosecution by a military court-martial for false rumours. According to the report, the top military officer claimed that President Muhammadu Buhari had died when the latter was hospitalized in London.

Who owns Shoprite in Nigeria?

Who owns Shoprite in Nigeria?


Author: Stella Amaechi 
A lot of us go out for shopping at least once a week. There are different places where people might go, but a lot of them usually choose a local supermarket. One of the most popular ones is the Shoprite Nigeria Supermarkets. And today we will discuss who the mysterious owner of the said supermarket is! 

First of all, let’s start with the fact that we are not talking about a Nigerian company. Yes, that's right, the Shoprite Nigeria Supermarkets are only a subsidiary of the Shoprite Holding Ltd, the South African retail firm. Since it was founded in 1979, it has become the largest food retailer in Africa. It is all over Africa (15 countries!) and has 2653 outlets with the headquarters in the Western Cape province. It has an insane amount of employees - 143,000! The company is also listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange as the largest and oldest stock exchange in Africa. But the question is still in the air - who is the owner of this massively successful company? The answer is plain and straightforward - the owner of the company is Mr Christo Wiese, the South African Billionaire. 

The journey of Shoprite in Nigeria began in Victoria Island, Lagos. This was the time when the first store of the Shoprite Nigeria Supermarkets was opened in the country. Then other subsidiaries were opened in: - Madagascar; - Angola; - Botswana; - Zambia; 
Namibia; - Congo DR: - Mozambique; - Congo; - Ghana; - Swaziland; - Mauritius; - Lesotho. 

The company has its supermarkets in Nigerian cities like Ilorin, Enugu, Ibadan, Onitsha, Abuja, Kano and many others. They do not just own the Shoprite supermarkets but also other brands like OK Foods, OK Grocers, Enjoy and others. Now you know who owns the largest retail company in Nigeria and Africa. The company is still growing, and perhaps in the future, we will have more supermarkets and other franchising brands of the Shoprite Holdings Ltd.

Pastor, Will You Allow Guns in Your Church?

ChurchLeaders.com

By

 Staff Writer

 -

November 8, 2017

After the tragic events in Sutherland Springs, Texas, on Sunday, everyone’s attention is on security in churches. Whether you pastor a church, attend a church, or know someone who attends church, the question of whether to allow firearms at church—either in the possession of security guards or laypeople—has crossed your mind.

However your church chooses to answer this question, it will need to be addressed. The last thing you need is someone showing up to your church with a firearm he or she is not properly trained to handle.

It’s a hard question to address for faith leaders. The Christian tradition has birthed some of the most effective and counter-cultural nonviolence movements throughout history, yet here we are in the wake of terrorism against Christians and mass shootings that occur in the most unsuspecting of congregations. It’s a situation where the phrase “Fail to plan—plan to fail” comes to mind.

Those in Favor of Guns in Church

Brady Boyd, pastor of New Life Church in Colorado Springs, Colorado, shares the security measures his church has adopted, both before and after the shooting that occurred on their property and took two of their members’ lives 10 years ago.

First, every church should hire at least one uniformed police officer to be visible in the main lobby and parking lot. Every Sunday, there is a police car parked in front of our church. These off-duty officers are paid by us to be present. They are now our friends and we see them as part of our vital team each weekend. Most crime studies show that criminals can be deterred by the physical presence of the police on property. If local police are not available, hire a very visible security guard…

Because we live in a military town, we’re able to recruit and train dozens of men and women to serve our church as volunteers. They spend all week protecting our nation and they love serving their church the same way. They dress in plain clothes, but walk the property during our worship services, serving our people.

We live in a state that allows most people to carry concealed weapons and to carry openly if they choose. We discourage our members from bringing guns into the church. In fact, if we know someone has a weapon, we escort them out to their car and watch them put it away. We have plenty of trained and qualified people who are appropriately armed, so extra weapons are not necessary and can actually cause more harm should there be a violent episode.

Pastor Shannon Talley of McAllen First Baptist Church in Texas is being proactive about firearms in his congregation, putting a plan in place so that church members with concealed handgun licenses know who else may be carrying. “We are putting that into place so our concealed-carry people know each other, but we are also setting things up to where they’re located strategically throughout the auditorium in the services that we have,” Talley told KRGV News.

Those Opposed to Guns in Church 

Not everyone is in favor of such an approach. Churches fear an armed presence may take away from the sense of sacred space that churches are known for. Reverend Dawn Frankfurt of St. James Episcopal Church in Wichita, Kansas, says “I think Christianity is a non-violent religion,” and therefore does not encourage her congregation to carry. She does, however, employ armed security guards.

Speaking to the Christian Chronicle a couple years ago, Patrick Barber with East Point Church of Christ in Wichita, Kansas, understands the complexity of this question. However, when it comes to bringing guns into the church, he offers a couple more questions: “Would Jesus stand up for the innocent? Certainly. Would he kill someone to protect the innocent? I’m not so sure.”

Dahleen Glanton, a Chicago Tribune columnist, questions the practicality of using a handgun versus the assault rifles most mad gunmen use: “A handgun would have been as powerless in Sutherland Springs as it would have been against Dylann Roof’s .45-caliber semi-automatic pistol and the arsenal of magazines and hollow-point bullets he used to kill nine people during Bible study at Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, S.C., two years ago.”

Before you make a decision about guns in your church…

Be sure to check laws on guns in your particular state. For instance, churches in Texas were given permission to extend their conceal carry rights into houses of worship earlier this year, while churches in South Carolina do not allow people to bring their guns without “express permission.” Whatever your church decides, it must adhere to the law of the land.

Russell Moore, president of the Ethics and Religious Liberties Committee (ERLC), affiliated with the Southern Baptist Church (SBC), raises the question most of us are thinking: What does the Bible say about bringing my gun to church? Moore responds, “I don’t think there is a gun control policy outlined in scripture. There is a commitment to human life and to the protection of human life, but I think Christians can disagree on what the specific policies ought to be to get there.”

Whether you allow guns in your church or not isn’t something to take lightly. Pray about it, consider it with your elders, look to Scripture for direction, consult subject matter experts, do the research on the law of the land, and make a decision. Pastor, whatever you decide, you must do this: Communicate your church’s policy. If you allow guns, you need to talk to your parishioners about what is permissible and what is not. If you do not allow guns, you need to make this clear.

Please do not let lack of communication put your congregation in jeopardy.

The History Of Ebira People (itopa Ane Ebira) Modified By Aliyu Abdullahi Onumo

Ane Ebira, we are an ethno-linguistic group in Nigeria. Many of us are from Kogi State, Kwara State, Nasarawa State, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, and Edo State. Okene is said to be our administrative centre, the Ebira-speaking people in Kogi state, are not far from the Niger-Benue confluence.
Origin of the Ebiras
An elder beats the Agidibo to salute the spirits (Photo by EbiraView) Ebira Tao is the largest of the several Ebira groups found in about 8 states of Nigeria including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Our sister groups are Ebira Koto and Ebira Mozum (Kogi state), Ebira Panda, Ebira Oje/Toto (Nassarawa state), Ebira Etuno (Edo state), Ebira Agatu (Benue state) Ebira Oloko (Ondo/Oyo/Osun states). The history of our origin were those compiled from Attah Omadivi and other Ebiran Clan Heads by the British colonial administrators in early 20th century. Our elders, through oral tradition, trace our descent to Wukari (in the present Taraba state) where we were an integral part of the Kwararafa confederation. In about 1680 AD, our ancestors (along with the Idoma and Igala) migrated out of Wukari over a chieftaincy dispute. Our people later split into various groups and settled in different locations between 1680 and 1750 AD. We Ebira Tao first sojourned with the Igalas at Idah but later crossed the River Niger and settled at Ebira Opete located in the vicinity of Upake in Ajaokuta LGA.
Our 'father' of Ebira Tao who led us to this premier settlement in Ebiraland was Itaazi. Itaazi had five (5) sons who all later migrated from Ebira Opete and were the founders of the various districts in Ebiraland. The children and the districts they founded are Adaviruku/Ohizi (Adavi), Ododo (Okehi), Obaji (Eyika), Uga (Okengwe) and Ochuga/Onotu (Ihima). His daughter named Ohunene settled in Eganyi district. Members of the various clans in Ebiraland are descendants of the children of Itaazi. Ohizi had five children who are progenitors of the five traditional Adavi clans named after them. These are upopo-uvete (Apasi), Uka, Idu (Aniku), Adeyika and Uhwami. A migrant group from Eganyi known as Ezi-Onogu clan is also found in Adavi. The sons of Ododo who are the ancestors of Okehi clans were Okovi Oviri and Enwgukonyai. Obaji the founder of Eika had ten children named Ohiaga, Iyewe, Avassa, Ehemi, Anchi, Epoto, Egiri, Ubobo, Ogu and Eyire. Uga of Okengwe had two sons whose children constitute the present Okovi and Agada group of clans. Due to a sizeable concentration of other Ebira clans in Okengwe district, they formed a socio-political coalition known as Ada-ehi. Ochuga had six children and their descendants make up the six clans in Ihima. These are Emani, Oha/Idu, Ohueta, Ure, Ohongwa and Odumi. The seventh clan is Akuta who migrated from Okengwe. Though Itaazi's daughter named Ohunene was the founder of Eganyi, not all the clans there are descended from her. Eganyi clans are Ede, Esugu, Eheda, Ogu, Onoko, Idu, Anavapa and Ogodo. The Aningere who are skilled craftsmen are found in all districts. They are, however, more concentrated in Okengwe and Adavi districts.
We constitutes one of the ethnic groups in the Middle Belt zone of Nigeria. But, however, did not evolve a centralized form of leadership until the advent of the British colonial authorities, which brought together the various Ebira clans under the leadership of Attah Omadivi in 1902. therefore, the year 1902 marked the evolution of a monarchical form of administration and the gradual development of central administration in Ebiraland.
Location and size of the Ebira community
Ebiraland is a small hilly inland area that stretches roughly for twenty three kilometres west of the Niger at Ajaokuta and thirty two kilometers southwest of the Niger-Benue confluence. The range of hills occasionally rises to six hundred and sixty seven metres above sea level. Ebiraland, the home of Ebira Tao, is in the central senatorial District of Kogi state. It has a landmass of 3,426 km2. The 1991 national census puts the population of the area 722,032. Another national head count was undertaken in 2006. The provisional figure of 884,396 released by the National Population Commission (NPC) is being disputed. It is distributed as follows: Okene LGA (320,260), Adavi LGA (202,194), Okehi LGA (199,999), Ajaokuta LGA (122,321) and Ogori Magongo LGA (39,622). Our communities which started as tiny villages have joined together as near towns, gradually and progressively expanding towards one
another with Okene as a city in modern times. Ebiraland thus presents an aerial view of one huge near urban settlement with intervening barriers. 
Our Culture and Administration
We are republican by nature, outspoken and very hard working. Farming and cloth-weaving are occupations for which Ebiras are well known. we are presently spread in five Local Government Areas of Kogi state namely: Adavi, Okene, Okehi, Ajaokuta and Ogori-magongo. A sizeable number is of our people are found in Lokoja Local Government Area, Ondo, Ogun, and Oyo states. Our paramount ruler is called Ohinoyi of Ebiraland. The Pre-Colonial Ebira community was essentially segmentary. It consisted of five principal clans among several others, namely, Okengwe, Eika, Okehi, Adavi, and Ihima. The respective priests (heads) of these clans were known as Ohindase, Adeika, Ohiomahi, Asema and Obonbanyi. Each clan was selfgoverning and did not regard any other as superior to it. 
Significantly, the clan was the main unit of political organization. The post of the clan head was normally conferred on the oldest living male member of the clan. His religious duties and disciplinary powers were, however, limited to his own family. His political influence was quite small and although he presided over the meetings of his clan, his judgement was determined largely by the consensus of opinion of the elders. The administration of all the clan heads constituting a community in Ebiraland lay in the hands of the elders, influential individuals and the chief priest (Ohinoyi).
Economically, the clan head held in trust for the clan, part of the income from all the clan lands, such as the produce from palm oil and locust bean trees,during the pre-colonial period. Also, the leg of whatever game that was killed was given to him, which he shared with the kindred heads.We so much cherish our traditional festivities in spite of the infiltration of some negative tendencies in recent times.
Our people were used to coming together in the face of crisis. Thus, in moments of war, we come together as a united front to ward off the incursion of the enemy. Indeed, our people have built strong confidence inour warfare and ‘superior’ weapons – bows and arrows. The invasion of Ebira country by the Nupe (1865-1900) did not make them doubt our military superiority. Our Nupe invaders were successfully resisted by our people under our amiable warrior leader who later became Attah Omadivi. The Nupe invasion was organized in the form of raids for slaves. But the our people were soon to realize that our warfare and ‘superior’ weapons could not defend us against the British super superior weaponry in 1902.
In 1895, an outstation was placed at Kabba by the Royal Niger Company and a fort was built there by Captain Turner, an officer attached to the Niger Constabulary. On 1st January, 1900, Frederick Lugard took over the government of Northern Nigeria from the Royal Niger Company and hoisted the British flag at Lokoja. Kabba was formed into a province which included the Akoko, Kukuruku and Ebira countries, and was administered from Lokoja, which was also the headquarters of the protectorate of Northern Nigeria, with Sir William Wallace as its first Resident.
In 1902, a small military escort led by Mr. Malcom and Lt. F.F.W.Byng-Hall sent into Ebira country was seen by the our people as an incursion. They refused to meet with the British demand for the supply of food, seeing this as a direct insult on their persons. Mr. Malcom and his party, outnumbered, were attacked with arrows by the Ebira and escaped by a night march to Kabba, arriving the next day. The British soldiers used this as casus belli and marched on them with fire arms. The Ebira country was subjugated and pacified. The resident in Ebiraland described the result of the expedition asfollows: “The Ebira were no doubt severely punished during the expedition and I now find them very afraid of the whiteman”
With the defeat of our people, the British then imposed their rule on us, politically uniting the various clans by force. During the British occupation of our land, Agidi, one of the notable personalities among the Ebira, led an armed resistance against any form of British rule. In 1902, he and his men attacked the small British group led by Mr. Malcom, the political officer. Who barely escaped death. After this event, Ebiraland was declared a land of ‘savages’ and Mr Malcom ordered a detachment of the West African Frontier Force (WAFF) to sit among our people in order to ‘tame’ them.
In 1903, a punitive expedition under Major Marsh, Lieutenants Sparrenbarg, Moran, Byng-Hall, Gallway, Smith, Oldman and Captain Lewis, was organized to call Agidi to order and to establish permanent peace in Ebiraland. In this expedition, the British received the whole hearted cooperation of Omadivi, who was the representative of Ohindase Abogunde – the chief priest at the time. Omadivi, like Ohindase, was from the Okengwe clan.
Omadivi supplied vital information, most especially on how to capture Agidi who was his political rival. In fact, both Omadivi and Agidi were notable personalities or influential individuals in the Ebira of that time. While the former was loyal to the Chief priest, the latter was not. By 1904, Ebiraland was fully pacified and Mr. Morgan, the Resident of Kabba province, was able to say with confidence that the Ebira people now feared the ‘‘whiteman” and were at “peace with each other”. 

Our Cultural Festivals (Eche-Ozi Ete)
We have several annaul cultural festivals and among the prominent ones are 'Echane', 'Eche Ori' and 'Ekuechi'.
Eche-Ane
This is an annual masquerade festival celebrated in rotation from one district to the other in Ebiraland (between April–June). In the past, it was only during the period of the festival that betrothed girls were given away in marriage to their suitors. That is why the festival is called 'Eche-ane' (women festival). Ebira Masquerades or Mascots, though carried long canes, came out primarily to entertain people and received gifts in return. It is regrettable that this very popular and interesting festival has been bastardized and now a source of constant breach of peace. We want to use this media to enlighten our youth that a people without a culture is like a people without history, our traditional festivities if handled with humility and the necessary modernity could become a world class tourism that can take us to the world map of hospitality, hence improved Ebira economy, employment and influence word over. This we can not achieve except we shun violence within ourselves so that our name EBIRA shall come to bare fruit in heart of mankind. As we invite them to join in the celebration of our unmatchable heritage Ebira Kaneri.
Eche-Ori
We are farmers and farming is the pride of the Anebira economy, 'Eche Ori' is our new yam festival celebrated only in two districts of Ebiraland. These are Ihima and Eganyi. During the festival, traditional worshippers make sacrifices in the secret groove of 'Ori' (deity) high up in the mountain to show gratitude for its protection and provision of bounteous harvest. The worshipers carry long canes with which they whip one another in turns without anyone exhibiting any sign of pain. This is a mark of strength or manhood. Another important attraction of the festival is the delightful 'Echori' music in which female singers feature prominently. Only after this festival can one eat or sell new yams in our markets as it is a taboo to do so before the festival in Ihima and Eganyi.
Ekuechi (traditional night masquerade)
This is a night masquerade festival which marks the end of the Ebira calendar year and the beginning of a new one. Ododo is popularly acclaimed to be the initiator of this masquerade festival. The 'Akatapa' masquerade heralds the beginning of the festival often saying "Irayi ododo osi gu, Irayi akatapa osi gu eeeh! Osa yeeeh!" which means "the year of the Ododo has ended; the year of Akatapa has ended. Here is another year". The festival begins with a festival eve in which folk singers (omikede) perform to the delight of both men and women. The following day, the real festival in which masquerades sing and dance to entertain people from dusk to dawn takes place. It is restricted to men and few special women called onoku only so all and majority of our women stay indoors throughout the duration of the festival. All dead relatives are believed to return to earth on a visit this night, so, women prepare delicious 'Apapa' (bean read) and he-goat meat for the visitors. The women also, at times, leave monetary gifts with the men for the visiting dead relatives. Trust men, the meals and gifts are properly and neatly delivered to the beneficiaries who only the men have the privilege of seeing and interacting with, that night.
Traditional Marriage in Ebira Land
Ebira people, mostly living along the River Benue plain down and beyond the River Niger, are a tribe found in Kogi state in Okene, Okehi, Adavi and Ajaokuta local government areas and in some parts of Nassarawa, Plateau and Edo states.
The word Ebira means good behaviour when translated literally with ethics and hospitality as compliments. The unique features of the Ebira culture with its ethnic aestheticism, are appreciated most in the event of traditional marriages.
Victoria Mayaki sheds more light on this. When a man sees a lady he intends to marry, he discusses his intentions with her, who, if interested, tells him to bring his people to express his intentions to her parents.
In respect to the Ebira tradition, the man does not walk to the parents of the woman to disclose his intentions; his parents or elders mostly the women do this by going to the lady’s parents to introduce themselves and also to inform them of their reason for coming to the house.
After this is done, the parents of the lady then conduct a thorough investigation on the upbringing, background, family history and so on, of the intending groom to unravel any history of madness, terminal diseases or criminality in the man’s family. This is with a view to deciding whether or not to give their daughter’s hand in marriage to a family with a tainted reputation in the society.
After the research, if their findings are appreciable, an approval is given to the man to visit the bride-to- be from time to time to further get to know themselves properly.
A date is later picked for the formal introduction of both families and this is called “Ise Ewere” which literally means what has been in secret is now in the open. During the celebration, there is usually the presentation of gift items made by the family of the groom to the family of the bride.
The gift items usually include; about 42 tubers of yam, dried fish or bush meat, 10 liters of palm oil, a bag of salt, assorted wines and kola nut. The groom may also decide to present two wrappers to his would-be bride but this is optional.
On the day of introduction, it is not necessary that the man attends the occasion as his family members do the necessary things on his behalf. The bride’s family in turn, entertains the groom’s with food and drinks. The families interact with one another and formally introduce every member of both families.
After this is done, the date for traditional marriage is then fixed. The tubers of yam and other items brought are distributed to neighbours and members of the extended family no matter how small. Much significance is given to this to ask for their prayers for a happy marriage as well as to ensure the acknowledgement of the community that the lady now has someone she intends to get married to.
The amount to be collected as bride price is also agreed upon by the parents of the bride and it depends to a large extent, on the financial strength of the man. Apart from the bride price, there are other things like “ozemeiyi” that is “I am attracted to her” which a certain amount of money is attached to, and “otanuvogei” that is “joining hands together”. There is also “idoza” that is “farming price” paid to the bride’s family because Ebira people are predominantly farmers. In the olden days when every young man had to farm, the groom and his friends appoint a day to farm for the father of the bride but these days because most young men don’t farm any longer, they pay money instead.
On the day of the traditional marriage, women in the man’s family are seen singing and dancing carrying tubers of yams on their heads to the lady’s house. The singing and dancing continues at their arrival at the lady’s house where the ceremony kicks off. Other items to be taken are cans of palm oil, groundnut oil, dried fish, some clothing materials in some boxes, jewelries and other things for adornment of the lady.
The ceremony is usually colorful with display of dances by maiden groups mostly the bride’s friends and by women groups. A religious leader and the parents of the couple offer prayers for them to bless their marriage and a certificate is thereafter given to the couple by the religious leader to acknowledge their marriage.
The lady is thereafter, escorted by her friends and other women to her husband’s house with her belongings.
This article was copied from Wikipedia edited and modified and there is still room for further modification and referencing 
References
Oyikete Ebira, by S.S. Salami(edited by Isaac H. Jimoh).
The Evolution and Development of Central Administration in Ebiraland, 1920-1997. By Victor Osaro Edo
http://ebiraview.blogspot.com/2011/01/sketch-history-of-ebira-itopa-ebira.html
Ethnologue report on Ebira language
PanAfriL10n page on Ebira.

PROPHESY ON NAIRA BY PASTOR ADEBOYE OF REDEEMED CHURCH

Naira was powerful those days.
Author: David Oladele 

Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the general overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), disclosed what will happen to Nigeria’s legal currency, Naira - Adeboye was optimistic that Naira would be powerful again because it was powerful before - The pastor declared that those who are deliberately devaluing the currency would be arrested Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the general overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, predicted that Nigeria’s legal tender, Naira would become a powerful currency in the world again. According to report, Adeboye said those responsible for the devaluation of the currency in the past few years will be arrested. NAIJ.com gathered that the pastor made the declaration at the November Holy Ghost Service with the theme: “Victory Ahead” held in Shimawa community, Ogun state. READ ALSO: UN predicts what will happen in 2019 election The cleric said: ''I told you that when we were building the first auditorium, the one by the expressway, and it was time for roofing and the roofing was going to cost N17, 000. We had no money for the project. "Naira was powerful those days and it will be powerful again in Jesus name. Mighty auditorium, 100×50 metres, and you want to roof it with N17, 000. 
"The tide will turn in favour of the naira. For all those who are deliberately devaluing the Naira, as my God lives, they’ll be arrested." 
Meanwhile, NAIJ.com had reported that Olusegun Obasanjo, the former president, said Nigeria’s economy is not booming yet and urged the citizens to be patient. The former president made this known at the 52nd annual service of songs of the 1st ECWA Church, Ilorin in Kwara state. 

Dino Melaye pelted with stones

Dino Melaye pelted with stones at Kabba                                    Day celebration

                                      Gbenga Odogun, Lokoja

What would have resulted in horrendous personal injury was averted on Saturday as the senator representing Kogi West, Dino Melaye, escaped from an angry mob that had pelted him with stones and other dangerous objects at the Kabba Day celebration.

Governor Yahaya Bello reportedly got the news of the attack on the senator and allegedly made a U-Turn before he reached the venue.Melaye was pelted with stones and other dangerous objects at the township stadium venue of the celebration, our correspondent has reported.The senator, who arrived the venue at about 11 ‘o’clock in the morning, was welcome by a crowd as he posed for photographs with supporters.

He was then invited to make a speech and announce his donation before the arrival of the governor who was already in Kabba for the occasion.Shortly after Dino announced a donation of N3m cash, he headed for his car, but some suspected thugs started throwing stones and other objects at him as he made for his G-Wagon.The security men had to use tear gas to bring the situation under control.

Meanwhile, all the security apparatus of the governor, led by his ADC and the Chief Details, were at the venue ahead of Governor Yahaya Bello who was expected to grace the occasion.According to the source, there was strong indication that some people might also cause crisis if the governor had attended the programme.

Our correspondent gathered that when the news of Dino’s attack reached the governor, he decided to boycott the event and, instead, sent his donation of N20m on behalf of the state government.

The swift intervention of security personnel on ground saved the day, as one of the thugs was arrested and whisked away in a prison van with registration number PS 300 A/O.
Gbenga Odogun, Lokoja

Tension in Catholic Church

The Catholic Church might be considering allowing married men become priests.

Author: Nnenna Ibeh
Pope Francis in a recent discussion with a monsignor requested for a debate on the matter - The pontiff said the issue can only be debated if a valid proposal is made on it 

There might be some hopes for married men who would love to serve God in the Catholic Church as Pope Francis calls for debate over allowing these men to become priests. The Pontiff in a recent decision has requested a debate over allowing married men in the Amazon region of Brazil become priests, The Telegraph reports. Some Vatican sources said the controversial decision by the Pope on this debate is likely to cause outrage among Catholics.
It was gathered that Pope Francis' decision to put a 'partial lifting' of priestly celibacy up for discussion and possibly voting by the bishops in Brazil followed a request by a Cardinal on the issue. Cardinal Claudio Hummes, the president of the Episcopal Commission for the Amazon, had reportedly asked the Pope to consider ordaining viri probati - married men of great faith - as priests. 

The cardinal was said to have argued that these men are capable if ministering to many individuals in remote communities within the Amazon. He also raised issues of the shortage of priests and other evangelical Christians and pagan sect who he said are capable of displacing Catholicism. Hummes request which was resonated by Monsignor Erwin Krautler, the secretary of the Episcopal Commission, further received a nod from the Pope only if a valid proposal is made on it. 

The pontiff was quoted saying: "speak to the bishops and tell them to make valid proposals." NAIJ.com earlier reported that the pontiff seven months ago said the Catholic Church might be considering changing its tradition and making married men priests. The Pope while granting an interview to a German weekly newspaper die Zeit said decision was prompted by the shortage of priests in some remote areas across the globe. He said the Catholic Church must think it through whether having viri probati is a possibility.