Culture

Apostolic Nuncio Commends Governor Mbah for Exemplifying Catholic Values

Published

1 year ago

November 21, 2024

Admin

By Njoku Chijioke

The Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria and Ambassador of the Vatican State, Most Rev. Michael Francis Crotty, has praised Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State for embodying values and faith that serve as a model for society.

Archbishop Crotty made this commendation on Tuesday during a courtesy visit to the governor’s office in Enugu. The visit coincided with the centenary celebration of Bigard Memorial Seminary, a landmark institution in the formation of Catholic priests.

The Apostolic Nuncio highlighted the global impact of Bigard Seminary, which has produced thousands of archbishops, bishops, and priests who propagate Catholic values both in Nigeria and worldwide. “This achievement underscores the great role Nigeria plays in the universal Church. Many of these priests are from Enugu, serving locally and internationally,” Archbishop Crotty said.

Conveying Pope Francis’ gratitude to Governor Mbah for his support of the Catholic Church, Archbishop Crotty also reflected on the historic bond of faith uniting Nigeria and the Vatican.

In response, Governor Mbah acknowledged the Catholic Church’s influence on his life and leadership, emphasizing how its values shape his work ethics and decision-making.

“Our moral compass is deeply rooted in the Catholic Church’s values, which have made Enugu State stand out for its respect for societal principles and high moral standards,” the governor noted.

He further lauded the Church’s role in molding young people, which he credited for Enugu’s reputation for excellence in character and values.

As part of the visit, Governor Mbah took Archbishop Crotty and his entourage on a tour of some of the state’s innovative landmarks, including a digital museum, digital artworks, and the Experiential Centre. The governor also highlighted Enugu’s significant contributions to Nigeria’s economic, social, and administrative history.

Governor Mbah concluded by congratulating the Catholic Church on the remarkable achievements of Bigard Memorial Seminary, describing its centenary milestone as a testament to its enduring legacy.

Culture

Ex-ICAN President Emerges as New Fusengbuwa Ruling House Head

Published

5 months ago

September 1, 2025

By Huldah Shado

Otunba Abdulateef Owoyemi, former President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, has been appointed as the new head of the Fusengbuwa ruling house in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State. The development comes after the resignation of Dr. Kunle Hassan, founder of the Eye Foundation Hospital, who stepped down as the family head.

The change of leadership was announced during a special Fusengbuwa Ruling House Unification and Integration Meeting held at Oba Adesimbo Tunwase Court, Agunsebi, Ijebu-Ode. Hassan’s resignation was attributed to “current developments and dynamics” following the passing of Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, the Awujale of Ijebuland, who reigned for 65 years before his death on July 13 at the age of 91.

Hassan, who also chairs the Governing Board of Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Sagamu, thanked those who supported him during his tenure as the head of the ruling house. He urged family members to unite behind Owoyemi, saying, “This is the appointed time for Otunba Owoyemi. He has been in it for over 40 years, but when it is the right time, the good Lord blesses it, and that is what we witnessed today.”

In his acceptance speech, Owoyemi promised to lead the ruling house with fairness and integrity. “I have been a very senior member of the Fusengbuwa ruling house for over 44 years, including about 10 years in leadership roles. I am conversant with the challenges, but with God and the people on my side, they are not insurmountable,” he said.

Culture

Lagos Police Restrict Egungun Festival to Designated Venues Amid Rising Clashes

Published

5 months ago

August 31, 2025

By Sarah Sam Adda

The Lagos State Police Command has directed that all activities of the annual Egungun Masquerade Festival be restricted strictly to designated outing points and approved celebration venues.

The move follows escalating clashes among rival masquerade groups and reports of violence and property damage in parts of the state.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the Command’s spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, said the directive prohibits public processions and street marches.

He explained that the restriction aims to protect lives and property while ensuring residents of other faiths are not subjected to harassment during the festivities.

Hundeyin stressed that the decision was taken to forestall further breaches of public peace, noting that rivalries between Egungun groups had intensified in recent days.

He warned that individuals or groups who defy the order or engage in activities that threaten security would face the full weight of the law.

Culture

Isese Day: Ifa Council Urges Tinubu to Declare National Holiday

Published

5 months ago

August 20, 2025

By Onilede Titi Faith

The International Council for Ifa Religion (ICIR) has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to declare August 20 as a national public holiday in honour of Isese Day.

ICIR President, Fayemi Fakayode, made the call in Ibadan on Wednesday during the 2025 Isese Day celebration.

While states including Oyo, Lagos, Ogun, and Osun already recognise the day, Fakayode urged governors of Ekiti, Ondo, Kwara, Kogi, Edo, and Delta to follow suit.

He said national recognition would end what he described as “inequality among the three major religions” in Nigeria.

The council also asked the government to fund cultural festivals, protect shrines and sacred lands, and integrate traditional religion adherents into cultural councils.

Fakayode commended South-West governors for supporting the celebration, stressing that Isese embodies morality, unity, reverence for nature, and communal living.