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ABADEZONGO ASCENDS, UNLEASHING THE DIVINE AND MUNDANE ENERGIES OF ODIMODI.
IduwiniVoice – Column
As the Odifa progenies of Otolor-Kokioko prepare to unfurl the ancient festival flag of honour, a celestial alignment converges, stirring the ancestral spirits. The legendary Abadezongo Festival awakens the land and waters of Odimodi, heralding a time of extraordinary energy and connection.
Tomorrow, the mystical energies of Iduwini will be unleashed, as the gods of the river and the forest, summoned by ancestral decree, converge to bless Eluwe Ada, the hallowed and ancesteal conference ground of Odimodi where the festivities will unfold.
With the first light of dawn, the drums of Abadezongo will thunder through the forests and rivers of Iduwini, their rhythmic pulse echoing through the very fabric of the land. The drums call upon the people to gather at the sacred shores, where the air will vibrate with the echoes of the ancestors. From the swirling mists, the masquerades will emerge, their colourful plumage shimmering with a spiritual luminescence, their movements a mesmerizing dance of tradition and spirit.
As the festival ignites, the waters of Odimodi will churn and foam, displaying the power and joy of the mythical creatures of the deep who rise from their watery abodes to join the celebration. The people will dance and sing, their voices carried aloft on the wind, their melodies a symphony of joy and gratitude, invoking the blessings of the gods and the protective presence of the ancestors.
Odimodi will be transformed into a realm of spiritual and artistic wonder, where the Abadezongo Festival weaves its magical enchantment. Be there to witness this spectacle, to immerse yourself in the divine energies unleashed, and to become a part of this profound celebration of life, heritage, and the eternal connection between the human and the divine.
By Prof. Benedict Binebai
Niger Delta University.
We mourns the physical departure of our revered patriarch, Chief Dr. Edwin Kiagbodo Clark. Though his mortal form may have faded, his essence remains etched in the annals of history. As a great defender of the Ijaw people, a sage historian, and a fearless politician, he embodied the spirit of the Odudu – a mythical force that commands reverence and awe
Like a colossus, Edwin Clark strode across Nigeria’s landscape, leaving an indelible mark on its sands. His voice thundered like the thunder of Egbesu, shaking the foundations of injustice and oppression. With each step, he forged a path of courage, conviction, and unasailable commitment to the Ijaw cause.
As a deity among mortals, Chief Clark’s presence was palpable, his wisdom and guidance sought by many. Though he may have walked among us, his essence transcended the mundane, touching the realm of the sacred. Deities, as the saying goes, do not die; they merely transit to another realm, where their essence continues to inspire and guide.
Farewell, revered patriarch! May your odyssey on earth be remembered for generations to come. Your legacy, like the evergreen mangrove, will continue to flourish, nourished by the waters of our collective memory.
By Admin
Abuja – A proposal to create 31 additional states across Nigeria is currently under consideration by the House of Representatives Committee on Constitutional Review. According to the committee, the move aims to address concerns about representation, governance, and regional development across the country.
The proposed states are distributed across various geopolitical zones, with six states suggested for the North-Central region, four for the North-East, five for the North-West, five for the South-South, and seven for the South-West. The committee has indicated that the proposal is in line with Section 8(1) of the Nigerian Constitution, which outlines the requirements for state creation.
Proposed States by Region
North-Central
1. Benue Ala (Benue)
2. Okun (Kogi)
3. Okura (Kogi)
4. Confluence (Kogi)
5. Apa-Agba (Benue South Senatorial District)
6. Apa (Benue)
7. Federal Capital Territory, Abuja (as an autonomous state)
North-East
8. Amana (Adamawa)
9. Katagum (Bauchi)
10. Savannah (Borno)
11. Muri (Taraba)
North-West
12. New Kaduna (Kaduna)
13. Gurara (Kaduna)
14. Tiga (Kano)
15. Kainji (Kebbi)
16. Ghari (Kano)
South-East
17. Etiti (New)
18. Adada (Enugu)
19. Urashi (New)
20. Orlu (Imo)
21. Aba (Abia)
South-South
22. Ogoja (Cross River)
23. Warri (Delta)
24. Bori (Rivers)
25. Obolo (Rivers & Akwa Ibom), possibly a renamed Oil Rivers State
South-West
26. Toru-Ebe (Delta, Edo & Ondo)
27. Ibadan (Oyo)
28. Lagoon (Lagos & Ogun)
29. Ibeju (Ogun)
30. Ife-Ijesha (Ogun, Oyo & Osun)
31. Oke-Ogun (Ogun, Oyo & Osun)
Constitutional Process for State Creation
The proposal will require approval through a series of legislative steps. The Nigerian Constitution stipulates that for a new state to be established, it must be supported by at least a two-thirds majority in the National Assembly, the State House of Assembly, and local government councils in the affected areas. Additionally, a referendum will be conducted, with the final decision forwarded to the National Assembly for ratification.
This proposed restructuring has generated mixed reactions, with some viewing it as a step toward decentralization and regional autonomy, while others question its feasibility given Nigeria’s economic and political landscape.
What are your thoughts on this development? Share your views!
STATE CREATION: A Call to Unity for Toruebe and Oil Rivers States
The struggle for the creation of Toruebe and Oil Rivers states has reached a critical juncture. In response, the President of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), Professor Benjamin Okaba, has issued a press statement outlining the INC’s position.
As Ijaws, it is imperative that we unite behind the INC’s stance, speaking with “one voice,” “one strength,” and “one vision.” We must defend our collective interests and advocate for our rights.
Let us stand together in solidarity, drawing inspiration from our shared heritage and cultural identity. By doing so, we will demonstrate our unbending commitment to the creation of Toruebe and Oil Rivers states.
The advocacy for the creation of states for the Ijaw nation is anchored on unity of purpose, collective action, cultural pride, and identity. This includes the celebration of Ijaw heritage, promotion of our language, customs, and traditions, and the attainment of economic and political self-determination.
Together, we can achieve our goals and create a brighter future for ourselves, our children, and generations to come.
This is another opportunity. We must rise up, Ijaws, and make our voices heard!
Igumugumu
2021 Voice of the Niger Delta