Editorial
The Hardship and FG’s Afterthought Of A Palliative Policy”
South South PDP Forum Lagos.
The political economics of subsidy withdrawal, announced six weeks ago by the new government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on its very first day, continues to stare the government right back in the face, as a massive hike—nearly 300%—in the pump price of petrol ignites corresponding increases in the cost of just about everything else. It will take a while before the full impacts of this policy on jobs, businesses and households are identified and quantified. For now, however, two things are clear.
The first is that there is little room for impulsive decisions in a nation where well more than half of its over 200 million strong population are dirt poor. By President Tinubu’s own admission, the fateful phrase “fuel subsidy is gone” was not even in his prepared inaugural speech, but that he himself “felt it was expedient to stop the subsidy on the first day”. That this admission will come not to Nigerians at home, but in far-away France is instructive in its own right about what publics matter the most to the government.
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But the point is that a hurried decision about a complex economic policy issue such as this without much background preparation for what to do next has so far left in its wake far-reaching consequences than the government probably bargained for. We commend the stoic resilience—borne out of hope and goodwill for the government—with which millions of Nigerians are braving consequences of that hurried decision, even this early into its implementation.
Nigerian media are awash with stories about employees who have to give up their jobs altogether; about those who now spend week nights where they work; and about employers and employees in the small and medium enterprises sector who have to choose between job cuts or salary cuts, as all grapple with skyrocketing cost of transportation and its impacts on everything else. Still, more evidence of the consequences of subsidy withdrawal is at hand at the World Bank, which together with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have, perhaps, been the loudest cheerleaders for this policy in Nigeria.
While still cheering the government’s action in its latest edition of the Nigerian Development Update (NDU), the World Bank nevertheless makes clear that 7.1 million Nigerians risk being plunged into extreme poverty by the end of this year, if urgent steps were not taken by the government. This is rising from the over 4 million Nigerians already pushed into that zone during the first half of the year alone by January’s ruinous naira redesign policy and the early effects of the subsidy removal.
It is also clear the government has little or no idea around what policy measures—palliatives—would help cushion the effects of subsidy removal on Nigerians. First, the government did not announce any palliative measures along with the removal, as is the global best practice for such policies. Second, the President’s letter to the National Assembly requesting the appropriation of N500 billion for “palliatives”, after six grueling weeks, did not provide details of what the measures would be, or how they would be distributed among the target population of the poor across the country.
The absence of details on the government’s N500 billion palliative proposal is also instructive because even the National Assembly’s core business of scrutiny and oversight on such matters require specific details about what the government will do with money and who will gain from it if appropriated. Details matter for transparency and accountability in governance.
Third, the government was supposedly engaging with labour to work out acceptable palliative measures for Nigerians. Yet, both the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have publicly condemned the government’s other palliative proposals, including that of an $800 million loan from the World Bank to be used for cash transfers of N8,000 each to 12 million households in the country over six months.
The government hopes the transfers will “expand coverage of shock responsive safety net support for all vulnerable Nigerians and the cost of meeting basic needs”, ultimately benefitting 60 million Nigerians, in the government’s own estimations. But both NLC and TLC have dismissed them as “laughable” and an “economic waste” given the reach and depth of poverty in Nigeria today.
Clearly for this government, then, palliative measures for subsidy removal are an afterthought. That cannot be. As the government prepares to oversee the disbursement of nearly $1.5 billion dollars (N1.2 trillion) from the two plans combined, the government needs to get the specific details of the palliatives clear and communicate them to Nigerians soon enough. After all, this is a country where even the most well-intentioned public money soon finds itself in private pockets.
Moreover, as the World Bank’s NDU report says, subsidy removal without clear palliatives will mean that “the poor and economically insecure households will face an equivalent income loss of N5,700 per month, and without compensation, an additional 7.1 million people will be pushed into poverty” before this year runs out. We find that scenario unacceptable. Palliative measures for fuel subsidy removal cannot be an afterthought. Palliative policy is part of the moral foundation that binds the citizen to the state in good, or in tough times. The government must get it right quickly, and tell Nigerians about it.
Daily Trust Editorial
Editorial
Amaseikumor Festival: A Cultural Renaissance Rooted in Spiritual Heritage and Regional Influence
The grand finale of the 2026 edition of the Amaseikumor Festival, held on April 11 in the historic Ijaw city of Oporoza, once again reaffirmed the enduring relevance of cultural heritage as both a spiritual compass and a socio-economic catalyst. The week-long celebration, hosted in the traditional headquarters of the Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State, brought together a remarkable blend of tradition, spirituality, and modern influence.
For centuries, the Amaseikumor masquerade has stood as a profound symbol of Ijaw cosmology—representing purification, justice, and communal renewal. Its 2026 outing like every other, was not merely a festival but a reaffirmation of identity, echoing the deep-rooted sagacity and spiritual consciousness of the Gbaramatu kingdom and indeed, Ijaw people.
Cultural Significance Beyond Celebration
In recent years, the Amaseikumor Festival has evolved beyond a local cultural display into a major national and international attraction. It has significantly contributed to the resurgence of cultural tourism in the Niger Delta and beyond. Observers note that the festival aligns with broader efforts across Nigeria to preserve indigenous traditions while harnessing them for economic growth.
The masquerade, often described as “the cleanser of the Ijaw nation,” embodies a sacred mission. Its symbolic procession—accompanied by a subordinate “sweeper” masquerade—is believed to cleanse the land of negativity, including conflict, disease, and misfortune. This spiritual interpretation resonates strongly with adherents who view the festival as a divine intervention in societal affairs.
Convergence of Influence and Prestige
The 2026 edition witnessed an impressive gathering of dignitaries across sectors. Among notable attendees were the Governor of Delta State ably represented by his Deputy, Chief Monday Oyeme among many high-level dignitaries from the National Assembly, traditional institutions and more. It remains cogent on record that previous editions have attracted globally celebrated leaders like former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, traditional rulers including His Imperial Majesty , Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, the revered Ooni of ancient Ife, political leaders, captains of industry, and globally recognized entertainers.
From the entertainment world, figures such as Davido and Nkem Owoh added glamour to the event, while business magnates and industry leaders underscored its economic relevance. This convergence of influence highlights the festival’s growing stature as a melting pot of culture, commerce, and leadership.
Spirituality and Socio-Economic Impact
Beyond the spectacle lies a deeply spiritual narrative that continues to shape the beliefs and aspirations of many. Devotees attribute personal and communal successes to the influence of the Amaseikumor tradition. Prominent figures such as Government Ekpemupolo, Dennis Otuaro, and Kestin Pondi are often cited as embodiments of the blessings associated with the cultural institution.
While such claims remain matters of faith, there is no denying the festival’s tangible contributions to local economies. Increased visitor inflow stimulates hospitality, transportation, and small-scale commerce, creating opportunities for residents and boosting regional visibility.
A Call for Sustained Cultural Investment and National Adoption
The Amaseikumor Festival stands as a compelling case for the preservation and promotion of indigenous heritage. As Nigeria continues to navigate “glocalization,” cultural assets like Amaseikumor offer a unique avenue for national branding, unity, and economic diversification. It is therefore a good time to call on the Federal Government through its Ministry of Culture and Tourism to adopt Amaseikumor as a “National Festival” taking advantage of not only its reach cultural brand but also the territorial ambience and serenity of the Niger Delta swamps and Atlantic coastlines to attract tourists from across the world.
Other stakeholders—state government, private sector, and cultural custodians—must therefore prioritize investment in infrastructure, security, and documentation to sustain and expand the festival’s impact. Proper structuring could elevate it to the status of globally recognized cultural festivals.
Road to Amaseikumor 2027
As the echoes of drums fade and the masquerade retreats into sacred seclusion, one message remains clear: Amaseikumor is more than a festival—it is a living tradition, a spiritual institution, and a beacon of cultural pride fro the blessedlyproud Ijaw people in general and the Gbaramatus in particular.
For those seeking authentic cultural reconnection, spiritual reflection, and a convergence of Nigeria’s finest across sectors, Oporoza remains an unmatched destination. With anticipation already building for the next edition, the legacy of Amaseikumor continues to grow—rooted in the past, thriving in the present, and poised for a global future.
Written by:
Prince (Dr.) Peretengboro Klintin Bibaikefie
Editor-in-Chief, IduwiniVoice
By Ben. Binebai
The Amaseikumor Festival is a magnificent tapestry of tradition, a veritable confluence where the sacred and the secular entwine in exquisite harmony. It is, in its quintessence, a festival of purity—an unblemished rite that scours the soul of the land. It is a festival of culture, wherein the ancient cadences of our forebears find renewed utterance; a festival of spiritual rejuvenation, where weary spirits are anointed anew at the altar of ancestral grace.
Amaseikumor is a festival that has its megastar hanging and shinning brighly in the sky, a festival of peace, of unity, and of prosperity—a trinity of virtues that, like a masterfully composed triad, adorns the communal soul. It is a festival of love and fraternity, a luminous bridge between man and the legendary animist beings who, from time immemorial, have watched over our creeks and forests. Indeed, it erects intertidal bridges—linking epochs, lineages, and realms—whilst standing as a clarion of cultural affirmation and religious awakening. Here, the covenant betwixt mortals and the divine is not merely remembered but vivified; a healthful and functional communion with the gods is both established and exalted.
The festival bears the imprimatur of the heavens, most memorably during its revival years. In the wondrous year of 2018, when I was accorded the rare and humbling privilege of delivering a lecture, the firmament itself bore witness: thunder intoned its celestial approbation, the heavens darkened in reverent solemnity, and delicate droplets—veritable tears of divine joy—descended upon the congregants. That epiphanic moment was greeted with an impromptu Ogele, as the gallant youths of Gbaramatu, moved by an ecstasy beyond articulation, gave voice to the rapture of the land.
As the parent festival of Gbaramatu, Amaseikumor is not merely a ritual observance; it is a living vestige heritage, a guiding star of identity, and a festival imbued with prodigious tourism potential. To behold it is to witness culture in its most numinous and unadulterated form—a grand pageant where myth, memory, and modernity dance in perennial embrace.
By: Editorial Team
The United Arab Emirates (UAE), often hailed as a beacon of modern development in the Middle East, is a federation of seven emirates—each with its own distinct history, ruler, and cultural identity. Since its unification in 1971, the UAE has stood as a rare example of how traditional monarchies can collaborate to build a stable and globally respected nation.
At the heart of the federation lies Abu Dhabi, the capital and largest emirate, known for its vast oil wealth and political influence. The Al Nahyan family, which leads Abu Dhabi, has played a central role in shaping the UAE’s national vision and foreign policy. The current President of the UAE traditionally comes from this emirate, underscoring its leadership within the union.
Dubai, the shining star of the federation, represents ambition and innovation. Under the leadership of the Al Maktoum family, Dubai has transformed from a desert outpost into a global hub for finance, tourism, and technology. Its breathtaking skyline, led by the Burj Khalifa, has become a symbol of Arab progress and resilience.
Moving beyond the two powerhouses, Sharjah distinguishes itself as the cultural and educational capital of the UAE. Led by the Al Qasimi family, it has preserved the emirates’ artistic heritage while promoting academic excellence through its numerous universities and museums.
The smaller emirates-Ajman, Umm Al-Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah-each add unique character and strength to the federation. Ajman, the smallest, thrives on trade and manufacturing; Umm Al-Quwain offers a peaceful charm along its quiet shores; Ras Al Khaimah, nestled against the Hajar Mountains, is known for its natural beauty and growing industrial base; and Fujairah, facing the Gulf of Oman, plays a strategic maritime role in the region’s economy.
Despite their differences in size and resources, the seven emirates remain bound by shared values, mutual respect, and visionary leadership.Their collective success story reflects not only unity but also the ability to balance tradition with progress.
Over five decades after its founding, the UAE continues to prove that cooperation among monarchies can yield a modern, forward-looking state-one that honors its past while boldly stepping into the future. The federation’s model of governance offers an enduring lesson in leadership, stability, and nation-building in a region often defined by division.
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