MBOMUZO IN OKWUOHIA AUTONOMOUS COMMUNITY, OBOWO L.G.A., IMO STATE, NIGERIA. Okwuohia is a Community in Obowo L.G.A., of Imo state, Nigeria, that has enviable rich historical background and deep cultural heritage. Okwuohia is the only community in Obowo and the old ETITI District that has four markets covering the four market days in Igbo calendar, namely: Eke, Orie, Afor and Nkwo. All these have distinct locations and hold accordingly. The community prides herself with many cultural festivals which include Mbomuzo, Ntumaka, Nrim-ji (Iri ji) among others. But the one that attracts people in their numbers to the community is, "MBOMUZO", a-k-a "NKUISI-MKPURU-UKWA". MBOMUZO simply means, "clearing of the roads ", otherwise known as environmental cleansing, especially with regard to roads leading to traditional centres and matket places. It is intended to make the roads passable again in order to give proper access to the markets and homes of citizens. In Okwuohia, all roads are cleared very thoroughly starting from individual homes to the Eke-Okwuohia, Orie-Okwuohia, Afor-Okwuohia and Nkwo-Okwuohia market squares. Also, roads leading to major and significant rivers are cleared. For instance, the Onu-iyi-lolo-nwanyi (Onu-ngele) stream at Umuduru Mgbakam is usually kept cleared for the "AHIA-NGANGA" ceremony by the women of Okwuohia during the same period. It has to be noted that all the road clearing and cleansing must be completed on or before the NKWO market day preceding the EKE market day of the ceremony. NKUISI-MKPURU-UKWA: As said earlier in this write-up, MBOMUZO Okwuohia is also referred to as NKUISI-MKPURU-UKWA. Why? Ours, is an agrarian community. In those good old days, our people cultivated yams, coco-yams, maize, cassava and mkpokoro in large scales. Farming was done more at locations far away from homes. Due to this, farmers constructed make-shift structures there in the bush/farms, where they rested and had their meals during the toils of the day. Most times, people returned to their homes very late in the evening. Major foods eaten in the farms those days were bread-fruits (Ukwa), palm kernels, yams and coco-yams. The bread-fruits were eaten whole without removing the the shells or the outer covers. Farming took place between the months of January and May, during which period farmers fed on any available food items. When such farmers returned to their homes from their farms in the month of May, they settled down to enjoy more pleasant and well prepared food. They would no longer eat the bread-fruits with their shells. Also, they cleaned their environments that had been left bushy during the period of intensive farming activities in the farms. From their homes, clearing and cleansing progress to the roads that lead to other homes and traditional centres. At this time, people begin to exchange visits with relatives and friends both far and near to show that they have returned home after the farming period in the bush. Such visits are usually reciprocated. During such visits, entertainments are unlimited based on the dispositions of the parties involved. In Okwuohia, after the entertainment at home, people gather at the designated market square to demonstrate it the more. The venue is usually at the ORIE OKWUOHIA, where the EKWIRIKWE music music is played and danced in an organized manner. EKWIRIKWE MUSIC AND ORDER OF DANCING: After the presentation and blessing of kola-nuts by the traditional ruler of Okwuohia, who declares the ceremony open after his speech and brief demonstration of the dance, the ceremony begins. Ofeiyi people, who are the custodians of the EKWIRIKWE do a brief demonstration dance. Thereafter, the traditional order of seniority of the three sections of Okwuohia is strictly observed thus: MGBAKAM, OFEIYI and AMARAMOHIA. Finally, a general dance which is usually longer and more thrilling comes up and marks the end of the ceremony. The EKWIRIKWE music delivers messages which present Okwuohia as place with people of remarkable mutual respect, prowess and noted for wrestling. EKWIRIKWE music is used to caution Okwuohia people not to eat the bread-fruits with the shells again after the Mbomuzo. Hence, "ONYE ATALA UKWA NA MKPEKELE" and "NKUISI-MKPURU-UKWA". This is demonstrated by hitting one's back-side to symbolically discharge the ones eaten previously. Before the EKWIRIKWE dance arena is approached, people sing various songs and dance along the road according to Age Grades, socicultural groups and sections. MBOMUZO AND THE PRONOUNCEMENT OF DATE. Only the Eze of Okwuohia, in consultation with you Traditional Council has the powers to announce the date for MBOMUZO every year. Above all, it is a known fact that Okwuohia community is the first among all the communities in Obowo and even the old ETITI District to perform Mbomuzo every year, thus determining the cultural calendar for other communities that perform the same and or related festivals. Mbomuzo holds in Okwuohia on the second EKE-Okwuohia market day in the month of June every year. Visitors, friends, in-laws and well -wishers of the community visit the community to enjoy the characteristic hospitality and conviviality associated with the ceremony. Entertainment items are unlimited especially according to the preparedness of the individual families and persons during the period. Such entertainment items include and not limited to polished bread-fruit meals, maize pudding, cassava foo-foo, oil-bean pudding and different kinds of drinks. PROBLEMS: The festival has suffered from various problems which include but not limited to wrong perceptions, misrepresentation, misconception, ignorance, ineptitude, iconoclasm and apathy. Many, especially the less informed and the neo-religious groups strongly hold to the perception that that the festival is fetish and wasteful (especially those who are not willing to spend their resources to host guests). ADVANTAGES: The period leads to keeping the surroundings clean, re-union of families, friends, in-laws and well -wishers, tourist attraction and advancing our cultural heritage including ensuring the acquisition and development of the EKWIRIKWE playing and dancing skills. In the good old days, women who earnestly took part in the road and market clearing and cleansing and later took part in the AHIA-NGANGA activities after bathing on serious intents at the Onu-Lolo-nwanyi (Onu-Ngele) stream, would appear at Mbomuzo the following year either pregnant or as nursing mothers if they either prayed for or desired such thereby. MODIFICATIONS SO FAR: Since culture is dynamic, efforts have been made by the leadership of Okwuohia community, over time, to modify certain aspects of the festival and programmes there-of in order to exponge some questionable and undesirable aspects of it. For instance, the timing and declaration of the date of the festival are now done by the Traditional ruler of Okwuohia in synergy with the Traditional Council. Also, no shrine or deity is either worshipped or honoured before, during and even after the festival. Most times, the traditional rulership open the festival with Christian thanks-giving worship at an agreed Christian church here in Okwuohia. CONCLUSION: In line with the realities of the present moments, efforts should be made to allow for acceptable modifications while there should be insistence on protecting and upholding the soul, spirit and purports of the cultural heritage of our dear Okwuohia community especially as regards affects MBOMUZO. Written by: Chief Emma C. Anyanwu, (DIKEMBA), 1st Traditional Prime Minister and Currently the Chairman of Okwuohia Traditional Council, Being a lecture presented by me at the 2019 edition of MBOMUZO festival, at EKE-OKWUOHIA Market Square.

Gen Musa Waarns: Stop Using Social Media to Promote IPOB—It’s Threatening Nigeria The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has issued a strong warning to residents of the South East against supporting or promoting the activities of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), especially through social media platforms. Speaking during a community engagement visit in Omor, Anambra East LGA, Anambra State, General Musa—represented by Group Captain Ibrahim Bukar, Deputy Director of Defence Media Operations—highlighted the dangers of spreading unverified and misleading information online. He noted that such actions not only endanger the region but also threaten Nigeria’s unity and national peace. As part of a people-focused outreach within the Operation Udoka Area of Responsibility, the Defence Chief met with the Obi Eze Ana-Uku, Eze Igulube of Omor, emphasizing the military’s commitment to restoring lasting peace and security in the South East. General Musa made it clear that IPOB’s activities are harmful to both the region and the country at large, and should be firmly rejected. He condemned the growing trend of spreading false narratives pushed by outlawed groups, urging citizens to be vigilant and responsible. “People need to have trust in their military,” he said. “The military belongs to the people. We rely on you to give us credible information—when you see something, say something. Together, we can overcome insecurity and bring peace back to our communities.” He assured the people that the military remains neutral in all conflicts and is solely focused on protecting law-abiding citizens. “Our mission is not to take sides,” he added. “We are only after criminal elements. Our job is to ensure peace and safeguard the lives and properties of innocent Nigerians.” General Musa also reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ dedication to fulfilling their constitutional duty to protect the nation, adding that peace and security are vital foundations for national development and economic growth. In his response, the traditional ruler of Omor, Eze Igulube, praised the military’s consistent efforts in maintaining peace in the area. He expressed gratitude for the improved security situation, saying the presence of the Armed Forces has brought relief to the community. “Our people are farmers, peace-loving and hospitable,” the monarch said. “We deeply appreciate the courage and dedication of your personnel. We are ready to provide accurate intelligence to help your operations and keep our land safe.” He pledged the full support of the community in the ongoing efforts to restore peace and security across the South East.

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Four killed as suspected cultists attack Bayelsa community ..😭😭 Four persons have been confirmed dead and several others injured as suspected cultists invaded the Swali community in the heart of Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, on Easter Sunday. PUNCH Online gathered that the masked assailants arrived in the community at about midnight in a Toyota Hilux van armed with assault weapons such as AK47 and started shooting indiscriminately at residents celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. A resident, who did not want to be named, described the attack as terrible and said that since he took up residence in the riverine suburb, he had not witnessed such violence unleashed on innocent citizens. “It was terrible, I have never seen anything like this since I started living here over 10 years ago,” he told Punch Metro on Tuesday. According to him, the attack was not connected to armed robbers as the gunmen did not steal any property, but just aimed at their targets and took off. Although calm was restored following the attack, there remained an uneasy calm as fear still hovered over the community, which had witnessed other cult-related violence in the past. Swali Community, which hosts the Swali Ultra Modern Market, the largest market in the state, is close to several security formations in the state. It was also gathered that two cult groups, the Greenlanders and Bobos, have been fighting for supremacy in the community, but it was not certain if the attack was related to their ongoing feud. The member representing Yenagoa Constituency 1 in the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Ayibanegiyefa Egba, has condemned the brutal attack that resulted in the tragic loss of four lives of her constituents. Egba visited the community on Tuesday and described the attack as barbaric and expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and the entire Swali community. She emphasised the need for unity and vigilance within the community to resist external forces and advised the youths to shun vices that could truncate their lives. Egba said, “This attack is brutal and I condole with the families of those who have lost loved ones. I called on all the residents to be united and vigilant in the face of this incident. “I equally call on the youths to shun external influences and also shun vices that can truncate their lives.” The Paramount Ruler of Swali Community, HRH Wilcox Seiyefa Job, called on the state government to mount police posts at strategic locations in order to avert future attacks. Chief Job pleaded with the government to help ensure the safety and security of his subjects from future attacks, explaining that the community had requested the mounting of a police post to beef up security. His words, “I called on the state government to set up police posts at strategic points to avert future attacks and also establish a police station in the community in order to safeguard the lives of my subjects.” When contacted, the Bayelsa State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr Musa Mohammed, who confirmed the attack, said security has been beefed up to restore normalcy in the community. He said the attack may not be related to a cult clash, but law enforcement measures were in place to ensure no further breakdown of law and order or destruction of lives and property happens in that community again. “Normalcy has returned to the community and security measures have been put in place to ensure no further breakdown of law and order or destruction of lives and property,” Mohammed stated.

DEFINITION OF EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE (EI) Emotional Intelligence (EI) is the ability to perceive, understand, manage, and regulate one’s own emotions as well as recognize and influence the emotions of others. It involves self-awareness, self-control, motivation, empathy, and social skills. Daniel Goleman popularized EI and identified five core components: 1. Self-awareness 2. Self-regulation 3. Motivation 4. Empathy 5. Social skills High emotional intelligence helps individuals build better relationships, reduce stress, defuse conflict, and improve job performance. 50 KEY ISSUES ABOUT EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE (EXPLAINED) 1. Self-Awareness – Knowing your emotions, strengths, weaknesses, and drives. 2. Self-Regulation – Controlling or redirecting disruptive impulses and moods. 3. Internal Motivation – Being driven to achieve beyond external rewards. 4. Empathy – Recognizing and understanding others’ emotions. 5. Social Skills – Managing relationships and building networks effectively. 6. Emotional Recognition – Ability to identify emotions in oneself and others. 7. Emotional Expression – Expressing emotions clearly and appropriately. 8. Emotional Management – Keeping emotional reactions in check. 9. Impulse Control – Resisting or delaying an emotional or behavioral reaction. 10. Self-Confidence – A strong sense of self-worth and capabilities. 11. Adaptability – Flexibility in dealing with change or unexpected obstacles. 12. Stress Management – Handling stress without becoming overwhelmed. 13. Optimism – A positive outlook that helps overcome obstacles. 14. Emotional Resilience – Recovering from setbacks and emotional distress. 15. Conflict Resolution – Managing and resolving disputes constructively. 16. Active Listening – Fully concentrating and understanding before responding. 17. Non-Verbal Communication – Reading body language and emotional cues. 18. Building Rapport – Creating a positive connection with others. 19. Trustworthiness – Being reliable and maintaining integrity. 20. Self-Motivation – Initiating tasks and pursuing goals persistently. 21. Managing Feedback – Giving and receiving feedback positively. 22. Empathetic Listening – Understanding emotions behind the words. 23. Handling Criticism – Receiving negative feedback constructively. 24. Patience – Tolerating delays or problems calmly. 25. Influence – Persuading others while respecting their viewpoints. 26. Teamwork – Collaborating with others toward a common goal. 27. Leadership – Inspiring and guiding others with emotional sensitivity. 28. Emotional Detachment – Knowing when to detach emotionally for objectivity. 29. Personal Responsibility – Owning one’s emotions and actions. 30. Awareness of Others – Sensitivity to others' emotional states and needs. 31. Mindfulness – Being present and aware of emotions in real-time. 32. Emotional Triggers – Recognizing what provokes strong emotional responses. 33. Emotional Vocabulary – Using precise language to describe feelings. 34. Perspective-Taking – Seeing situations from others’ emotional viewpoints. 35. Emotional Contagion – Understanding how emotions spread in groups. 36. Mood Management – Maintaining a healthy and productive emotional state. 37. Cultural Sensitivity – Respecting emotional expressions in diverse cultures. 38. Boundary Setting – Knowing emotional limits and asserting them respectfully. 39. Dealing with Rejection – Handling emotional pain without collapse. 40. Balancing Emotion and Logic – Making decisions that respect both. 41. Compassion – Responding to suffering with understanding and care. 42. Apologizing Sincerely – Recognizing wrongs and expressing remorse. 43. Appreciating Others – Showing gratitude and valuing emotional contributions. 44. Emotional Coaching – Helping others manage their emotions effectively. 45. Emotional Maturity – Consistently behaving in emotionally appropriate ways. 46. Regulating Emotional Climate – Shaping group emotional tone positively. 47. Dealing with Toxic People – Navigating manipulative or overly emotional individuals wisely. 48. Encouragement – Offering emotional support to boost morale. 49. Handling Uncertainty – Coping emotionally with ambiguity and change. 50. Personal Development – Constantly working to improve emotional capabilities.

🇳🇬 Wilayatul Faqih NG 🇮🇷: While many, including ourselves, have criticisms of the usefulness of negotiations with the US, such criticism should always be constructive and never weaken the Islamic Republic through slander, such as painting the Leader as a powerless figurehead who has been overridden by the liberal fifth column. No criticism should be made in a way weaken the Islamic Republic, which Haj Qassem called a shrine (a holy sanctity that must be protected). According to this clip from late Ayatollah Fateminia (ra), weakening the Islamic Republic is the gravest sin, worse than alcohol, which only affect a handful of individuals. The liberals were about to arrange direct negotiations with the US which would put all subjects on deck, including missile programs and support for resistance groups, until the Leader put his foot down. These negotiations would not happen without his approval or oversight, therefore he approved indirect negotiations where none of Iran's red lines are even up for discussion. This caused the US to make great concessions, because otherwise the meeting would have been canceled prior or cut halfway through. There are certain voices who are trying to paint the Leader as a weak, powerless figurehead who has been sidelined. This is a grave fitna, because the Zionist Jews and the liberal imperialists have tapped out their customer base when it comes to getting an obnoxious minority of ultra-liberals to withdraw their support and confidence from the Islamic Republic. The next frontier is getting religious revolutionaries to lose confidence and pull their support from the Islamic Republic. There are certain voices who have gone so far to label Iran as a Jewish Republic due to this. Should we reveal that one of these voices is hiding his fully Jewish identity while claiming to be another ethnicity? Wouldn't be ironic that such a person who goes around calling everyone a Jew agent and Jew simp is of a fully Jewish background which he hides similar to Dan Burros, the Jewish man who hid his identity to rise to the top of the KKK and American Nazi Party in the 1950s and 60s? Whatever criticisms there are to make against "reformists," the LAST person that should do it is someone who is hiding their Jewish identity. Now, the issue is that it is hidden. In Islam, we have no problem with what someone is born into, so long as they are sincere. We have martyrs, such as Edoardo Agnelli (ra), whose mother was one of the most powerful Jewish women in Italy. Hiding and lying about it, however, raises obvious red flags. We're open to the possibility that there is a totally innocent reason for such hiding, and will apologize profusely if this is proven to be the case, but with such fitnamongering, we aren't holding our breath. A person whose origins are under question should keep their mouth shut regarding Iranian internal issues, painting the Leader as weak and powerless in the name of claiming to love the Leader and the revolution. Now, we won't name who this is. There is an escalation ladder. Want to keep up the charade? Stop the fitna against the Leader and stay in your lane. Want to try and slander us? The moment we hear anything, the floodgates of truth will open. Want to try and quietly kill us for "knowing too much"? Our families are instructed to tell the truth about this questionable character even if we die from natural causes or even from slipping on a banana peel, so pray for us to have a long life to maximize the length of the charade because no matter what is done to us, the truth will come out one day. Stop the fitna and spreading pessimism about the Islamic Republic, and the escalation ladder will stay where it is. However, that is what is within our own power. We cannot stop that other people might do a simple internet search to find out that the people spreading fitna to get religious revolutionaries to lose hope in the Leader and stop supporting the Islamic Republic is a bit gefilte fishy himself. We fear no one but God and will expose any questionable character if need be to protect our Leader. Do not test us. 📸 Imam Khamenei met with commanders of Armed Forces on the occasion of the Iranian New Year A group of commanders from the Islamic Republic of Iran’s Armed Forces met with Imam Khamenei, the Commander-in-Chief, on Sunday afternoon, April 13, 2025, on the occasion of the Iranian New Year. 📲 KHAMENEI.IR | 𝕏 (Official) | 𝕏 (Website) ✅ @Khamenei_en ‍📸 The #ZOF 🏴‍☠ (“iDF” aka iOF) terrorist organization admits to the elimination of one more of its vile terrorists and injury of five others, including three seriously, in a #Palestinian #Resistance operation in the northern #Gaza Strip earlier today: ☠ Warrant Officer G’haleb Sliman Alnasasra, 35, a tracker in the “Gaza Division’s Northern Brigade”. 💥 According to an initial ZOF probe, at 12:58 p.m., a group of ZOF terrorists driving along a ZOF logistics road, close to an army encampment inside Gaza, came under fire by the brave Palestinian Resistance mujahideen, who had come out of a tunnel shaft, launched an RPG at the #Zionist army vehicle. 💥 Three ZOF terrorists of the 414th Combat Intelligence Collection Unit were wounded in the attack. Two of them, an officer and a combat medic, are listed in serious condition. 💥 A short while later, Zionist rescue forces led by the commander of the “Gaza Division’s Northern Brigade”, Omri Mashiah, reached the scene, along with trackers from the brigade. 💥 At 1:25 p.m., Palestinian mujahideen set off an explosive device on the side of a road, near the rescue forces, eliminating Alnasasra and wounding two other trackers, including one seriously. 📈 A total of 848 ZOF terrorists have been eliminated since 7th October 2023, according to ZOF data. 🔻#AlAqsaFlood ✌️🏼#LongLiveResistance 🇵🇸#PalestinianResistance 🆔 Subscribe: https://t.me/News_Articles_Analysis/51485 ⏯ Video | #BREAKING | Yemeni Armed Forces published a video on Saturday, April 19, 2025, showing scenes of its operation: ✈️💥 Footage shows the moment a #US [$32 million] “MQ-9” drone was downed while it was carrying out hostile missions in the airspace of #Sanaa Governorate. ✈️💥 This is the 2nd US drone shot down 24 hours and the 6th this month. ✈️💥 The number of drones of this type shot down during the Battle of the Promised Victory and the Holy Jihad (since the beginning of the war in 2023) has risen to 21. 🇾🇪#Ansarullah 🇾🇪#LongLiveYemen 🇺🇸#USGenocidalRegime 🆔 Subscribe: https://t.me/News_Articles_Analysis/51486 — 🇮🇷/🇮🇱 NEW: Iran's 2,000 kilometer range 'Sepehr' OTH Radar has finally become operational, satellite imagery seems to confirm The radar array is one of Iran's most advanced over-the-horizon radars, more than 1,5 kilometers in length. It can detect takeoffs of individual aircraft or ballistic missile launches at a range of up to 2,000 kilometers, including inside the entirety of Israel. Only a handful of countries have mastered such advanced OTH radar technology, and the radar provides Iran with valuable early warning of an imminent attack. @Middle_East_SpectTor 📸 #BREAKING: #AlQassamBrigades announced: 💥 “Our fighters (mujahideen) were able to carry out a complex ambush against a #Zionist force that had advanced east of the Tuffah neighborhood, east of #Gaza City, and left its members dead and wounded.” 💥 “We targeted a [#ZOF] ‘Merkava-4’ tank and a ‘D9’ military bulldozer with two ‘Al-Yassin 105’ shells, setting them on fire in the Jabal al-Surani area, east of the al-Tuffah neighborhood, east of Gaza City.” 🔻#AlAqsaFlood ✌️🏼#LongLiveResistance 🇵🇸#PalestinianResistance 🆔 Subscribe: https://t.me/News_Articles_Analysis/51488 ⏯ Video | Footage shows the aftermath of the latest #US terrorist attacks on General Authority for Maritime Affairs building at the Port of Hodeidah in western #Yemen! 🚨 American warplanes carried out at least 20 airstrikes on the Yemeni capital #Sanaa, and its western, eastern, and southern suburbs! 🇺🇸#AmericaCrimes 🇺🇸#USGenocidalRegime 🆔 Subscribe: https://t.me/News_Articles_Analysis/51489 ⏯ Video | Over the span of just three hours, the #US regime launched over 38 terrorist airstrikes targeting civilian-populated areas in #Yemen’s capital, #Sanaa, and the provinces of Hodeidah, Marib, and Amran, according to Al Mayadeen’s correspondent! 🚨 The heavy bombardment resulted in the martyrdom and injury of at least 10 civilians in Sanaa and its surrounding areas! 🇺🇸#AmericaCrimes 🇺🇸#USGenocidalRegime 🆔 Subscribe: https://t.me/News_Articles_Analysis/51490 ⏯ #VideoPhotoNews 📸 Footage documenting the moment massive #Zionist occupation airstrike earlier today (Saturday 19, April) that targeted tents sheltering displaced people in the Al-Mawasi area, west of #KhanYunis, killing dozens of #Palestinian civilians with impunity! 🚨 On Friday night, #US-funded #ZOF (“iDF”) warplanes bombed a tent sheltering over 15 Palestinians west of Gaza City, killing at least five civilians! ☑️ 𝐙𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐦 𝐢𝐬 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭; 𝐨𝐜𝐜𝐮𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐦, 𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐝𝐞...! 🇵🇸#GazaGenocide 🏴‍☠#ZionistTerrorism 🦠#ZionismIsADisease 🇺🇸#USGenocidalRegime 🦠#CancerousZionistTumor 🏴‍☠#GenocidalZionistOccupation 🆔 Subscribe: https://t.me/News_Articles_Analysis/51491

Press TV: Deadly US strikes hit Yemen fuel port used by Huthis https://jordantimes.com/news/region/deadly-us-strikes-hit-yemen-fuel-port-used-huthis <!-- google_ad_section_start -->SANAA — The US military said it had destroyed a key Yemeni fuel port as it targets the country's Huthi rebels, who said Friday that 20 people had been killed in the strikes.   The attack on the Ras Issa fuel port aimed to cut off a source of supplies and funds for the Iran-backed Huthis, the US military said.   Washington has hammered the Huthis with near-daily air strikes since March 15 in a bid to end their attacks on civilian shipping and military vessels in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.   The rebels began their attacks in late 2023, claiming solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. Israel's army said Friday they had intercepted an incoming missile from Yemen.   In a statement, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said: "US forces took action to eliminate this source of fuel for the Iran-backed Huthi terrorists and deprive them of illegal revenue that has funded Huthi efforts to terrorise the entire region for over 10 years.    "The objective of these strikes was to degrade the economic source of power of the Huthis, who continue to exploit and bring great pain upon their fellow countrymen".   Ships "have continued to supply fuel via the port of Ras Issa" despite Washington designating the rebels a foreign terrorist organisation earlier this year, the military command added, without specifying the source of the fuel.   Huthi health ministry spokesman Anees Alasbahi said the preliminary death toll stood at 20, including five paramedics.   There were also "50 wounded workers and employees at the Ras Issa oil port, following the American aggression", he said on X.   "The death toll is likely to rise as body parts are still being identified," he added.   Fireball    The port lies along the west coast of Yemen on the Red Sea.   In images broadcast early Friday by the rebels' Al-Masira channel, which it presented as the "first images of the US aggression" against the port, a fireball lit up the area around the ships, while thick columns of smoke rose above what appeared to be an ongoing blaze.   "Civil defence rescue teams and paramedics are making every effort to search for and extract victims and extinguish the fire," said Alasbahi.   The Huthis have regularly fired missiles and drones on Israel since the war in Gaza broke out in October 2023 following an attack on Israel by Hamas militants.   "Following the sirens that sounded a short while ago in several areas in Israel, a missile launched from Yemen was intercepted," Israel's army said Friday on Telegram, adding that aerial defence systems had been deployed "to intercept the threat".   Huthi attacks have hampered shipping through the Suez Canal -- a vital route that normally carries about 12 percent of world shipping traffic -- forcing many companies into a costly detour around the tip of southern Africa.   The United States first began conducting strikes against the Huthis under president Joe Biden's administration, and his successor President Donald Trump has vowed that military action against the rebels would continue until they are no longer a threat to shipping.   On Thursday evening, France's Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu said a French frigate in the Red Sea destroyed a drone launched from Yemen.   "Our armed forces continue their commitment to ensuring maritime freedom of movement," he said on X.   US State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce told journalists Thursday that the Chinese satellite firm Chang Guang Satellite Technology Company was "directly supporting Iran-backed Huthi terrorist attacks on US interests".   "Their actions -- and Beijing's support of the company, even after our private engagements with them -- is yet another example of China's empty claims to support peace," she said.   Bruce did not initially provide details on the nature of the company's support for the rebels, but later referred to "a Chinese company providing satellite imagery to the Huthis." <!-- google_ad_section_end -->Image:  Hizbollah 'will not let anyone disarm' it, says chief https://jordantimes.com/news/region/hizbollah-will-not-let-anyone-disarm-it-says-chief <!-- google_ad_section_start -->BEIRUT, Lebanon — Hizbollah "will not let anyone disarm" it, the Lebanese group's leader Naim Qassem said Friday, as Washington presses Beirut to compel the Iran-backed movement to hand over its weapons.   Hezbollah, long a dominant force in Lebanese politics, was left weakened by more than a year of hostilities with Israel sparked by the Gaza war, including an Israeli ground incursion and two months of heavy bombardment that decimated the group's leadership.   The fighting was largely brought to an end by a November ceasefire, but not before the group's longtime leader and Qassem's predecessor Hassan Nasrallah was killed in an Israeli air strike.   "We will not let anyone disarm Hezbollah or disarm the resistance" against Israel, Qassem said in remarks on a Hezbollah-affiliated TV channel.    "We must cut this idea of disarmament from the dictionary."   His comments came hours after another Hizbollah official said the group refused to discuss handing over its weapons unless Israel withdrew completely from south Lebanon and halted its "aggression".   "It is not a question of disarming," Wafic Safa said in an interview with Hizbollah’s Al-Nur radio station.   "What the president (Joseph Aoun) said in his inauguration speech is a defensive strategy."    Safa, believed by experts to belong to the movement's most radical faction, said Hezbollah had conveyed its position to Aoun, who on Tuesday said he sought "to make 2025 the year of restricting arms to the state".   In his interview, Safa asked: "Wouldn't it be logical for Israel to first withdraw, then release the prisoners, then cease its aggression... and then we discuss a defensive strategy?   "The defensive strategy is about thinking about how to protect Lebanon, not preparing for the party to hand over its weapons."   Analysts have said that the once unthinkable idea of Hezbollah disarming may no longer be so, and may even be inevitable.   Problem is Israel'    Under the November ceasefire, Israel was meant to withdraw all of its forces from south Lebanon.   But despite the deal, its troops have remained at five south Lebanon positions that they deem "strategic".   Israel has also continued to carry out near-daily strikes against Lebanon -- including on Friday -- saying it is targeting members of Hezbollah.   Under the truce, Hizbollah was to pull its fighters back north of Lebanon's Litani River and dismantle any remaining military infrastructure in the south.   Lebanon's army has been deploying in the south as Israeli forces pulled back.   Hezbollah says the ceasefire does not apply to the rest of Lebanon, despite being based on UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which calls for the disarmament of non-state groups.   Hizbollah was the only group to keep its weapons after Lebanon's 15-year civil war ended in 1990, saying that they were for "resistance" against Israel, which continued to occupy the south until 2000.   US special envoy for the Middle East Morgan Ortagus, who visited Beirut this month, said Washington continued to press Beirut "to fully fulfil the cessation of hostilities, and that includes disarming Hizbollah and all militias".    Safa said on Friday that both Hezbollah and the Lebanese army were respecting the terms of the truce.   "The problem is Israel, which has not done so," he said.   On Saturday, a source close to Hezbollah told AFP that the group had ceded to the Lebanese army around 190 of its 265 military positions identified south of the Litani. <!-- google_ad_section_end -->Image:  5yrs ago April 2020 What a strange world we live in Covid-19 ClownWorld Restrictions Lockdowns Masks US to withdraw some 1,000 troops from Syria https://jordantimes.com/news/world/us-withdraw-some-1000-troops-syria <!-- google_ad_section_start -->WASHINGTON — The United States will roughly halve the number of troops it has deployed in Syria to less than 1,000 in the coming months, the Pentagon said Friday.   Washington has had troops in Syria for years as part of international efforts against the Daesh terror group, which rose out of the chaos of the country's civil war to seize swaths of territory there and in neighboring Iraq over a decade ago.   The brutal extremists have since suffered major defeats in both countries, but still remain a threat.   "Today the secretary of defense directed the consolidation of US forces in Syria... to select locations," Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said in a statement, without specifying the sites where this would take place.   "This deliberate and conditions-based process will bring the US footprint in Syria down to less than 1,000 US forces in the coming months," he said.   President Donald Trump has long been skeptical of Washington's presence in Syria, ordering the withdrawal of troops during his first term but ultimately leaving American forces in the country.   As Islamist-led rebels pressed forward with a lightning offensive last December that ultimately overthrew Syrian president Bashar Al Assad, Trump said Washington should "NOT GET INVOLVED!"   "Syria is a mess, but is not our friend, & THE UNITED STATES SHOULD HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH IT. THIS IS NOT OUR FIGHT," Trump, then the president-elect, wrote on his Truth Social platform.   Years of war against Daesh   The 2014 onslaught by Daesh prompted a US-led air campaign in support of local ground forces -- the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and Iraqi government units.   Washington also deployed thousands of American personnel to advise and assist local forces, with US troops in some cases directly fighting the jihadists.   After years of bloody warfare, Iraq's prime minister announced a final victory over IS in December 2017, while the SDF proclaimed the defeat of the group's "caliphate" in March 2019 after seizing its final bastion in Syria.   But the extremists still have some fighters in the countryside of both countries, and US forces have long carried out periodic strikes and raids to help prevent the group's resurgence.   Washington stepped up military action against Daesh in Syria in the wake of Assad's overthrow, though it has more recently shifted its focus to strikes targeting Yemen's Huthi rebels, who have been attacking international shipping since late 2023.   US forces in Iraq and Syria were repeatedly targeted by pro-Iran militants following the outbreak of the Gaza war in October 2023, but responded with heavy strikes on Tehran-linked targets, and the attacks largely subsided.   Washington for years said it had some 900 military personnel in Syria as part of international efforts against Daesh, but the Pentagon announced in December 2024 that the number of US troops in the country had doubled to around 2,000 earlier in the year.   While the United States is reducing its forces in Syria, Iraq has also sought an end to the US-led coalition's presence there, where Washington has said it has some 2,500 troops.   The United States and Iraq have announced that the coalition would end its decade-long military mission in federal Iraq by the end of 2025, and by September 2026 in the autonomous Kurdistan region. <!-- google_ad_section_end -->Image:  A few minutes ago, the Russian Defense Ministry published unique footage of the destruction of another American multiple launch rocket system 'HIMARS'. Sources in the Russian Military Department noted that the missile system HIMARS and an escort vehicle carrying a group of heavily armed soldiers were detected by a Russian reconnaissance drone near the settlement of 'Sergeevka'.............................................................................. ******************************************************Support BORZZIKMAN :Become a Patron - https://www.patreon.com/user?u=22393167WebMoney:Z287850237751 (USD)E356280180033 (EUR)Bitcoin: 1Lv4nnM1ZJVW1GJMUeGMCZXPXz8xeKuGTfMirrored - ​BORZZIKMAN To survive what is coming, read/study: https://thewayhomeorfacethefire.net (https://thewayhomeorfacethefire.net/)https://christs.net/The Gibraltar Messenger : https://gibraltar-messenger.net/ How many of these guys have we reported the last few years? It seems like dozens.I left out a hundred of his r'tarded covid posts. This clown was an obsessed lunatic! I should've introduced him to my sister.Sourceshttps://m.facebook.com/jay.byers.9/https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/2025/04/17/jay-byers-president-of-simpson-college-dies-at-54/83146367007/Announced as College Presidenthttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fSdhlUs3C4YDeath reporthttps://youtu.be/ke5_R0xydvs?si=cwJN3NUKiB1PlYs0 Check out some cool duds at the store:https://kurganwear.printify.me (https://kurganwear.printify.me/)I'm on Twitter: https://x.com/kurganreportThis video shows you how to run a search on VAERS:https://www.bitchute.com/video/DTWs4oouteSY/Source: https://wonder.cdc.gov/vaers.htmlMore data here:https://www.openvaers.com/covid-data/mortality You can help support Kurgan's coffee addiction by donating here:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/thekurganru Email me with info or to say hello:TheKurganReport@gmail.comMirrored - The Kurgan Report Oh, another Covid coming online? What kind of retarded terminology is that? What a dipshit.Sourcehttps://x.com/TheChiefNerd/status/1913410420154441864Mirrored - The Kurgan Report To survive what is coming, read/study: https://thewayhomeorfacethefire.net (https://thewayhomeorfacethefire.net/)https://christs.net/The Gibraltar Messenger : https://gibraltar-messenger.net/ Victor Wembanyama was sidelined for the rest of the 2024-2025 NBA season due to a deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is a blood clot in his right shoulder. The Spurs announced the diagnosis in February 2025 after Wembanyama had been experiencing discomfort and fatigue. He was expected to make a full recovery and return for the next season. Wembanyama has since been able to do some conditioning and lifting, but is still not engaging in contact work.Mirrored - bootcampBootcamp now on Brighteon - https://www.brighteon.com/channels/chestypPlease subscribe to him, he has done some excellent work during the plandemic/vaxx genocide To survive what is coming, read/study: https://thewayhomeorfacethefire.net (https://thewayhomeorfacethefire.net/)https://christs.net/The Gibraltar Messenger : https://gibraltar-messenger.net/ 🇾🇪⚔️🇺🇸 Yemeni forces have released footage of the 20th U.S. MQ-9 "Reaper" drone shot down earlier today.Source @DD Geopolitics To survive what is coming, read/study: https://thewayhomeorfacethefire.net (https://thewayhomeorfacethefire.net/)https://christs.net/The Gibraltar Messenger : https://gibraltar-messenger.net/

Latest quantitative mining project, automated trading, daily earnings up to 22%, easy to earn 3,489+USDT, click to join us! Daily selection of USDT and top-quality cryptocurrency projects🔥🔥🔥 to help you grow steadily. Invite friends to share additional earning opportunities! IRNA News Agency: 🔶Domestic affairs not delayed by indirect talks with the United States: President Pezeshkian 📌 Tehran, IRNA – President Masoud Pezeshkian says indirect negotiations between Iran and the United States is progressing in a normal and routine manner, without delaying or hindering the country's affairs. 🖇 en.irna.ir/news/85805327/ 📲 @Irna_en 🔹 Iran condemns continued U.S. attacks on Yemen 📌 Tehran, IRNA – Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei has strongly condemned the continued U.S. airstrikes on various areas in Yemen, which have resulted in death and injury of civilians while causing significant destruction to homes and infrastructure. 🖇 en.irna.ir/news/85805339/ 📲 @Irna_en ♦️ Foreign minister to visit Russia on Thursday: Ambassador 📌 Tehran, IRNA – Iran’s ambassador to Russia says Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi will arrived in Moscow on an official visit on Thursday. 🖇 en.irna.ir/news/85805468/ 📲 @Irna_en 🔸 Army, IRGC are strong fortress to shield Iran from external threats, says top commander 📌 Tehran, IRNA – Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Chief Commander Major General Hossein Salami has described the Iranian Army and IRGC as a strong fortress to defend the country. 🖇 en.irna.ir/news/85805414/ 📲 @Irna_en 🔻 IAEA chief arrives in Tehran on official visit 📌 Tehran, IRNA – Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Grossi has arrived in Tehran for talks with officials. 🖇 en.irna.ir/news/85805556/ 📲 @Irna_en 🔸 Palestinian resistance groups warn against Israeli efforts to Judaize Al-Aqsa Mosque 📌 Tehran, IRNA –Palestinian resistance groups, Hamas and Islamic Jihad, have warned against repeated attacks by Israeli forces and settlers against Al-Aqsa Mosque which they say are aimed at Judaizing Islam’s third holiest site. 🖇 en.irna.ir/news/85805536/ 📲 @Irna_en 🔹 Iran calls for bolstering defense and military cooperation with Tajikistan 📌 Tehran, IRNA – The chairman of the Chiefs of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, in a meeting with Tajikistan’s Defense Minister Lieutenant General Emomali Sobirzoda, has expressed Iran’s readiness to increase cooperation with Tajikistan in the defense and military fields. 🖇 en.irna.ir/news/85805565/ 📲 @Irna_en 🎥 Foreign Minister Araghchi welcomes Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency Rafael Grossi here in Tehran. 📲 @Irna_en 🎥 Foreign Minister Araghchi is meeting with Rafael Grossi chief. 📲 @Irna_en 🔶 Iran dismisses Britain allegations as unfounded 📌 Tehran, IRNA – Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei has vehemently rejected recent accusations leveled by the British administration against Iran, denouncing them as unfounded and politically motivated. 🖇 en.irna.ir/news/85805842/ 📲 @Irna_en ♦️ Foreign minister heads to Moscow for high-level talks 📌 Tehran, IRNA – Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi has departed for Moscow to engage in discussions with senior Russian officials. 🖇 en.irna.ir/news/85805935/ 📲 @Irna_en 📌 An Israeli attack on refugee tents in Khan Yunis, southern Gaza Strip leaves 23 people dead. 📲 @Irna_en 📌 Foreign Minister Araghchi is welcomed upon his arrival in Moscow. He will be delivering a written message from Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei to Russian President Vladimir Putin. 📲 @Irna_en 🔷 AEOI chief meets visiting IAEA head in Tehran 📌 Tehran, IRNA – Vice-president and Head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) Mohammad Eslami has met with Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Grossi in Tehran. 🖇 en.irna.ir/news/85806058/ 📲 @Irna_en 🔶Saudi defense minister arrives in Tehran 📌 Tehran, IRNA – Saudi Arabia’s Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman Al Saud has arrived in Tehran on a significant visit. 🖇 en.irna.ir/news/85806167/ 📲 @Irna_en ♦️ Araqchi: Leader’s message to President Putin focuses on regional and international developments 📌 Moscow, IRNA – Minister of Foreign Affairs Abbas Araqchi says that he is in Moscow to deliver a message from Iran’s Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei to the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, adding that the message pertains to international and regional developments, as well as bilateral issues. 🖇 en.irna.ir/news/85806215/ 📲 @Irna_en Major General Mohammad Baqeri, chairman of the Chiefs of Staff of Iran’s Armed Forces, officially welcomed Saudi Arabia’s Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman Al Saud here in Tehran on Thursday. 📲 @Irna_en 📌 Rafael Grossi leaves Tehran for Vienna The director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency left Tehran for Vienna after meeting with Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and Head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran Mohammad Eslami. He was also ushered to visit an exhibition of Iran’s achievements in the nuclear industry. 📲 @Irna_en 🔹 IAEA chief says threatening to target Iran’s nuclear facilities is unacceptable 📌 Tehran, IRNA – Rafael Grossi, the director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), says that the IAEA has consistently emphasized that threats to target nuclear facilities are unacceptable. 🖇 en.irna.ir/news/85806298/ 📲 @Irna_en 🔹 Iran expects the I.A.E.A. to maintain impartiality and professionalism 📌 Tehran, IRNA – The head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (A.E.O.I.) says that Iran’s consistent expectation from the International Atomic Energy Agency (I.A.E.A.) is to uphold impartiality and professional conduct. 🖇 en.irna.ir/news/85806320/ 📲 @Irna_en 📌 Saudi Arabia’s Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman Al Saud met with Ali Akbar Ahmadian, the secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, on April 17, 2025. 📲 @Irna_en 📌 Ayatollah Khamenei says that the relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia will benefit both nations and that the two countries can complement each other. 📲 @Irna_en 📌 Leader of the Islamic Revolution: The enhancement of ties between Tehran and Riyadh faces opposition. Hostile intentions must be overcome, and Iran is fully prepared to do so. 📲 @Irna_en 🔸 Araqchi meets Putin in Moscow 📌 Moscow, IRNA – Russian President Vladimir Putin meets with Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi. 🖇 en.irna.ir/news/85806448/ 📲 @Irna_en

MBOMUZO IN OKWUOHIA AUTONOMOUS COMMUNITY, OBOWO L.G.A., IMO STATE, NIGERIA. Okwuohia is a Community in Obowo L.G.A., of Imo state, Nigeria, that has enviable rich historical background and deep cultural heritage. Okwuohia is the only community in Obowo and the old ETITI District that has four markets covering the four market days in Igbo calendar, namely: Eke, Orie, Afor and Nkwo. All these have distinct locations and hold accordingly. The community prides herself with many cultural festivals which include Mbomuzo, Ntumaka, Nrim-ji (Iri ji) among others. But the one that attracts people in their numbers to the community is, "MBOMUZO", a-k-a "NKUISI-MKPURU-UKWA". MBOMUZO simply means, "clearing of the roads ", otherwise known as environmental cleansing, especially with regard to roads leading to traditional centres and matket places. It is intended to make the roads passable again in order to give proper access to the markets and homes of citizens. In Okwuohia, all roads are cleared very thoroughly starting from individual homes to the Eke-Okwuohia, Orie-Okwuohia, Afor-Okwuohia and Nkwo-Okwuohia market squares. Also, roads leading to major and significant rivers are cleared. For instance, the Onu-iyi-lolo-nwanyi (Onu-ngele) stream at Umuduru Mgbakam is usually kept cleared for the "AHIA-NGANGA" ceremony by the women of Okwuohia during the same period. It has to be noted that all the road clearing and cleansing must be completed on or before the NKWO market day preceding the EKE market day of the ceremony. NKUISI-MKPURU-UKWA: As said earlier in this write-up, MBOMUZO Okwuohia is also referred to as NKUISI-MKPURU-UKWA. Why? Ours, is an agrarian community. In those good old days, our people cultivated yams, coco-yams, maize, cassava and mkpokoro in large scales. Farming was done more at locations far away from homes. Due to this, farmers constructed make-shift structures there in the bush/farms, where they rested and had their meals during the toils of the day. Most times, people returned to their homes very late in the evening. Major foods eaten in the farms those days were bread-fruits (Ukwa), palm kernels, yams and coco-yams. The bread-fruits were eaten whole without removing the the shells or the outer covers. Farming took place between the months of January and May, during which period farmers fed on any available food items. When such farmers returned to their homes from their farms in the month of May, they settled down to enjoy more pleasant and well prepared food. They would no longer eat the bread-fruits with their shells. Also, they cleaned their environments that had been left bushy during the period of intensive farming activities in the farms. From their homes, clearing and cleansing progress to the roads that lead to other homes and traditional centres. At this time, people begin to exchange visits with relatives and friends both far and near to show that they have returned home after the farming period in the bush. Such visits are usually reciprocated. During such visits, entertainments are unlimited based on the dispositions of the parties involved. In Okwuohia, after the entertainment at home, people gather at the designated market square to demonstrate it the more. The venue is usually at the ORIE OKWUOHIA, where the EKWIRIKWE music music is played and danced in an organized manner. EKWIRIKWE MUSIC AND ORDER OF DANCING: After the presentation and blessing of kola-nuts by the traditional ruler of Okwuohia, who declares the ceremony open after his speech and brief demonstration of the dance, the ceremony begins. Ofeiyi people, who are the custodians of the EKWIRIKWE do a brief demonstration dance. Thereafter, the traditional order of seniority of the three sections of Okwuohia is strictly observed thus: MGBAKAM, OFEIYI and AMARAMOHIA. Finally, a general dance which is usually longer and more thrilling comes up and marks the end of the ceremony. The EKWIRIKWE music delivers messages which present Okwuohia as place with people of remarkable mutual respect, prowess and noted for wrestling. EKWIRIKWE music is used to caution Okwuohia people not to eat the bread-fruits with the shells again after the Mbomuzo. Hence, "ONYE ATALA UKWA NA MKPEKELE" and "NKUISI-MKPURU-UKWA". This is demonstrated by hitting one's back-side to symbolically discharge the ones eaten previously. Before the EKWIRIKWE dance arena is approached, people sing various songs and dance along the road according to Age Grades, socicultural groups and sections. MBOMUZO AND THE PRONOUNCEMENT OF DATE. Only the Eze of Okwuohia, in consultation with you Traditional Council has the powers to announce the date for MBOMUZO every year. Above all, it is a known fact that Okwuohia community is the first among all the communities in Obowo and even the old ETITI District to perform Mbomuzo every year, thus determining the cultural calendar for other communities that perform the same and or related festivals. Mbomuzo holds in Okwuohia on the second EKE-Okwuohia market day in the month of June every year. Visitors, friends, in-laws and well -wishers of the community visit the community to enjoy the characteristic hospitality and conviviality associated with the ceremony. Entertainment items are unlimited especially according to the preparedness of the individual families and persons during the period. Such entertainment items include and not limited to polished bread-fruit meals, maize pudding, cassava foo-foo, oil-bean pudding and different kinds of drinks. PROBLEMS: The festival has suffered from various problems which include but not limited to wrong perceptions, misrepresentation, misconception, ignorance, ineptitude, iconoclasm and apathy. Many, especially the less informed and the neo-religious groups strongly hold to the perception that that the festival is fetish and wasteful (especially those who are not willing to spend their resources to host guests). ADVANTAGES: The period leads to keeping the surroundings clean, re-union of families, friends, in-laws and well -wishers, tourist attraction and advancing our cultural heritage including ensuring the acquisition and development of the EKWIRIKWE playing and dancing skills. In the good old days, women who earnestly took part in the road and market clearing and cleansing and later took part in the AHIA-NGANGA activities after bathing on serious intents at the Onu-Lolo-nwanyi (Onu-Ngele) stream, would appear at Mbomuzo the following year either pregnant or as nursing mothers if they either prayed for or desired such thereby. MODIFICATIONS SO FAR: Since culture is dynamic, efforts have been made by the leadership of Okwuohia community, over time, to modify certain aspects of the festival and programmes there-of in order to exponge some questionable and undesirable aspects of it. For instance, the timing and declaration of the date of the festival are now done by the Traditional ruler of Okwuohia in synergy with the Traditional Council. Also, no shrine or deity is either worshipped or honoured before, during and even after the festival. Most times, the traditional rulership open the festival with Christian thanks-giving worship at an agreed Christian church here in Okwuohia. CONCLUSION: In line with the realities of the present moments, efforts should be made to allow for acceptable modifications while there should be insistence on protecting and upholding the soul, spirit and purports of the cultural heritage of our dear Okwuohia community especially as regards affects MBOMUZO. Written by: Chief Emma C. Anyanwu, (DIKEMBA), 1st Traditional Prime Minister and Currently the Chairman of Okwuohia Traditional Council, Being a lecture presented by me at the 2019 edition of MBOMUZO festival, at EKE-OKWUOHIA Market Square.

IPOB Slams Sultan of Sokoto: You Ignore Killer Herdsmen but Fear Social Media for Exposing Them The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has strongly condemned the recent statement by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, in which he described social media in Nigeria as a "terrorist organisation" and called for its criminalisation. In a statement released by IPOB's Media and Publicity Secretary, Comrade Emma Powerful, the group labelled the Sultan’s remarks as absurd and a clear sign of fear among the northern elite, who are allegedly panicking over the continued exposure of atrocities committed by killer herdsmen. Referencing proverbs like “a clear conscience fears no accusation” and “the wicked flee when no one pursues,” IPOB accused the Sultan — a key Fulani leader and Islamic spiritual figure — of trying to silence victims and whistleblowers who rely on social media to expose acts of terror, kidnappings, and land grabs allegedly carried out by Fulani militants. “Instead of condemning the widespread violence and displacement caused by Fulani terrorists, the Sultan is more concerned with silencing the platforms revealing these crimes,” the statement said. IPOB also criticised both the Sultan and the Nigerian government for consistently failing to acknowledge the true scale of Fulani-linked violence, accusing them of using mainstream media to distort the facts, labeling these attacks as mere “banditry” or “farmer-herder clashes.” The group praised social media as a powerful tool for Nigerian youth, a source of economic empowerment, and a platform for the oppressed. They believe any attempt to silence social media is a move to suppress the truth and restrict freedom of speech. “The Sultan can ignore the truth all he wants, but Nigerians and the international community are becoming increasingly aware of the threats posed by Fulani terrorist groups. Social media is helping to unmask these dangers,” Powerful said. IPOB concluded by warning that any attempt to shut down social media would ultimately fail. “If the Sultan is afraid of exposure, then he should tell the terrorists to drop their weapons. IPOB and other indigenous groups will continue to use every legal means — including social media — to resist oppression and shine light on the real causes of insecurity in Nigeria.” The backlash comes after the Sultan made the controversial remarks during a meeting of Northern Traditional Rulers in Maiduguri, Borno State, where he described social media as a “terrorist organisation” used to spread falsehood and unrest. His comments have since sparked outrage among Nigerians.

Stop Calling Killers by Their Tribe” — IGP Cautions Against Tribal Blame Following the recent deadly attack in Zikke community, Bassa LGA of Plateau State, Nigeria’s Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has paid a visit to the area and issued a strong warning against ethnic profiling in the wake of the violence. The attack, which occurred on Monday, left numerous residents dead, homes destroyed, and hundreds displaced. Reports allege the perpetrators to be armed Fulani herdsmen — the same group accused in earlier attacks in neighboring Benue State. Speaking during his tour of the crisis-hit region on Tuesday, Egbetokun condemned the bloodshed and acknowledged the immense toll it has taken on local farming communities. “We strongly condemn these senseless killings,” the police chief stated. “I won’t say too much now, but I can assure you — these criminal elements will be surprised soon. Their days are numbered.” Egbetokun urged residents to unite and avoid labeling criminals based on tribe or ethnicity. “Criminals are criminals — they don’t have a tribe,” he said. “Let’s not let ethnicity divide us. We must come together and deal with these threats collectively.” Governor Caleb Muftwang, who received the IGP during the visit, also voiced deep frustration and sorrow over the recurring violence. He described the Zikke massacre as “plain murder,” revealing that children as young as three and elderly citizens were among the victims. “What threat could a three-year-old pose?” Muftwang asked emotionally. “This is beyond sad — it’s evil. Plateau was on a path to peace. Now, we’re facing a terrifying setback.” The governor confirmed speaking directly with President Bola Tinubu, who reportedly pledged a swift and coordinated response from all security agencies. “We’re not backing down,” Muftwang added. “Things may seem calm right now, but we must remain vigilant and push for justice.” The tragedy in Zikke is only the latest in a wave of brutal attacks across Plateau, a state that has long battled inter-communal tensions, herder-farmer clashes, and armed banditry. Civil society groups continue to urge the federal government to take firmer action and restore lasting peace to the region.

🚨 BREAKING via MARCA: Real Madrid are taking extreme measures ahead of wedmesday's clash with Arsenal! Fans under 18 and over 40 will reportedly not be allowed into the Santiago Bernabéu. The stadium roof will be closed six hours before kickoff. Ultras groups are expected to gather outside the stadium. The atmosphere? Described as “terrifying.” What is Real Madrid planning? Why this level of intensity for a match? Stay tuned. This is more than just football—it's war at the Bernabéu! Can Arsenal escape from Bernabéu victorious?