Culture
Group takes Ohaneze Ndigbo to the cleaners for placing bounty on illustrious son
A group operating under the aegis of World Igbo Union, has taken the Ohaneze Ndigbo to the cleaners over what it described as a sacrilege the tagging of one of the illustrious son Simon Ekpa as ‘persona non grata’ to Igbo land.
The apex Igbo Organization in the world in a statement on Tuesday by its leader Mazi Ogechukwu Nkere which was made available to newsmen in Abuja, said such call was not only sacrilegious, but also an abomination and frivolous in the face of hundreds of Southeasterners being murdered by marauding Fulani terrorists and Boko Haram in Nigeria without any measurable reaction by Ohaneze Ndigbo to stop the killings.
The statement reads: “The attention of the apex Igbo Organization in the world – The IWorld Igbo Union has been drawn to a sacrilegious publication credited to a moribund organization in the name of Ohaneze Ndigbo seeking a bounty on the head of one of their illustrious sons, Mazi Simon Ekpa in a publication on This Day Newspaper of 1/23/2023.”
He indicated that the Ohaneze has not reacted in strong or measurable terms or issued any active statement to condemn the killings by the terrorists in Southeast Nigeria.
The group which comprises of over 50,000 members of Igbo descent across the world declared the ohaneze ndigbo as a dead and wasted organization that has remained irrelevant in the lives of the average Igbo person in Nigeria.
The group rules out Ohaneze Ndigbo as inconsequential and lacking capacity to decide for over 70 million Southeasterners and Biafrans that are cut across the Southeast Nigeria begging daily to live from the horrors of terrorist invaders imported into Nigeria by the current Nigeria leadership aided by Ohaneze.
The statement declared the group’s total and unwavering support for their illustrious son in the person of Mazi Simon Ekpa who has been exposing the ills and havoc that Fulani terrorists have been wreaking in all parts of Nigeria including the killing of Christians, burning of homes and markets and more recently, the killing of the Catholic priest father Achi in Kaduna State Nigeria.; this killing has been condemned by the United States government and the Vatican.
They said: “One of the major position and factors that will reduce terrorism in Nigeria and in extension the western world would be an immediate call for an independent Referendum by the United Nations in Nigeria.”
According to them, the dangerous diversities in Nigeria in areas of tribe, religion, ethnicity, language and culture, coupled with the corrupt leadership and their destructive policies has created lots of insecurity and deaths in the Country.
“The inability of the government to obey court orders especially in the case of the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu (the leader of Indigenous People of Biafra) of whom Mazi Simon Ekpa is an ardent follower despite the United Nations call for his immediate release and compensation.
It will be recalled that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu whose disciple is Mazi Simon Ekpa has been discharged and acquitted by almost 3 independent courts in Nigeria and also by the United Nations committee on extraordinary rendition.
“Despite all these calls, the Nigeria government has refused to release him, and the moribund Ohaneze Ndigbo has been an accomplice in this total disregard for the rule of law. The world currently awaits United Nations action on the expiration of their order to the Nigeria government to release Nnamdi Kanu.
The World Igbo Union leader used the medium to call the attention of the world leaders, INTERPOL, and leaders of thought and inform them that the Ohaneze Ndigbo group has been rejected by majority of Igbo citizens because of their role and silence on the killings and destruction of properties and means of livelihood of Igbo citizens in Southeast Nigeria.
“The moribund Ohaneze Ndigbo has committed sacrilege in Igboland by placing a $50,000 bounty on the head of an innocent and illustrious son of Igboland whose only crime was calling for the freedom of his people and their self-protection from Fulani terrorists that have invaded Southeast Nigeria.
“These terrorists has wreaked havoc in Ehamufu Enugu state where over 200 innocent men, women and children were massacred in their own land without protection from either the state or federal government, In fact a Sahara newspaper report on December 24th, 2022 enumerated how the Nigeria military masterminded the Ehamufu killings of these innocent citizens.
“The Nigeria government has daily rehabilitated and reintegrated known terrorists into the country’s security forces and use them to kill, maim and burn down innocent peoples homes and businesses especially those that condemn this practice and seek for their freedom from Nigeria.
“The World Igbo Union hereby calls on the international body, INTERPOL and Nigerians to disregard the sacrilegious call by the moribund Ohaneze Ndigbo and its Secretary Okechukwu Isiguzoro.
“The group declared its unflinching support for its erudite scholar and illustrious son Mazi Simon Ekpa whose expositions have created lots of awareness to citizens from the Southeast Nigeria on ways to mitigate and protect themselves against Fulani terrorist invaders.
It described Ohaneze Ndigbo as a stooge of the Fulani terrorist government in Nigeria whose actions have led the United States embassy to order families of embassy employees to depart Nigeria due to heightened risk of terrorism in October 2022.
Read Also: Magu grilled at banquet hall of Presidential villa as journalists are barred from gaining entrance
In a bid to reposition Nigeria as the epicenter of African culture, tourism, and economic growth, the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, has partnered with Discover Motherland Africa to launch the Motherland 2025 initiative. 
The project, unveiled at the Abuja Continental Hotel on Monday, is aimed at transforming Nigeria into a global cultural hub, drawing in diaspora communities, investors, and tourists alike.
Speaking at the event, Minister Musawa described Motherland 2025 as “more than a festival”—a transformative movement that aligns with the Federal Ministry’s Destination 2030: Nigeria Everywhere strategy.
She highlighted how the initiative leverages Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and tourism potential to foster global engagement and drive economic growth.
“Motherland 2025 is more than a festival—it’s a homecoming. A movement inviting our global brothers and sisters to reconnect with their heritage while contributing to Nigeria’s economic and cultural renaissance,” Musawa said. “This is a call to the Diaspora and beyond. From investors and policymakers to cultural leaders and travelers, this initiative invites global stakeholders to experience and invest in Nigeria’s resurgence as a cultural and economic powerhouse.”
A statement be the media adviser to the Minister, Nneka Ikem Anibeze in a statement explained that the initiative includes a wide range of programs designed to engage both Nigerians and the global community in a week-long celebration featuring State Pavilions, Business Exhibitions, and cultural showcases from Nigeria’s 36 states and the FCT.
According to the statement it will also feature A photo and video contest encouraging participants to depict Nigeria’s landscapes, traditions, and communities through visual storytelling.
Explaining further the statement said it will feature a centralized platform simplifying travel logistics for both domestic and international visitors.
A groundbreaking scheme allowing diaspora members and foreign investors to gain citizenship through national development contributions will also be unveiled according to the statement.
The media adviser also pointed out that a dedicated initiative to streamline the integration of diaspora communities into Nigeria’s social and economic landscape.
She said there will be an event recognizing outstanding diaspora leaders who have made significant contributions in their respective fields.
“The festival will conclude with a high-energy concert featuring top Nigerian and international artists, celebrating the nation’s vibrant music scene.
She quoted the minister, Musawa to have also emphasized the need for collaboration between government agencies, ministries, and the private sector to ensure the success of the initiative.
“The success of Motherland 2025 relies on strong partnerships. We invite policymakers, cultural institutions, investors, and development organizations to join forces in shaping Nigeria’s tourism and creative economy,” she said.
In her remarks, Chidimma Nwankwo, Managing Director of Discover Motherland Africa, underscored the initiative’s role in reconnecting the Nigerian diaspora to their roots while unlocking opportunities for investment and cultural pride.
“Motherland is a homecoming. It is a journey. It is a commitment. This December, we invite the global diaspora to experience Nigeria like never before—not as visitors, but as participants in a redefined vision of tourism,” Nwankwo said. “Whether you are part of the diaspora, a first-generation Nigerian, or someone who has never set foot in Nigeria, this is your invitation. Not just to visit, but to engage, to contribute, and to become part of something bigger.”
Motherland 2025 is expected to attract thousands of participants from across the globe, solidifying Nigeria’s role as a leader in Africa’s cultural, economic, and tourism sectors.
***Public-Private Partnership to Transform Cultural, Tourism, Creative Sectors
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the establishment of the Creative and Tourism Infrastructure Corporation (CTIC), a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) designed to bridge the infrastructure gap in Nigeria’s tourism and creative industries.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, was presented at Monday’s FEC meeting and is positioned to drive economic diversification, job creation, and cultural preservation.
Special Adviser on Media & Publicity to the minister, Dr. Nneka Ikem Anibeze in a statement indicated that the
CTIC will operate under a public-private partnership model, attracting local and international investors to fund and develop world-class infrastructure that supports the creative sector.
The goal is to generate $100 billion for the Nigerian economy and create 2 million jobs, aligning with Presidential Priority 7 on economic diversification.
Key Features of CTIC according to the statement included Strategic Partnerships by Engaging AFREXIM, IFC, World Bank, AfDB, AFD, EU, Ford & Rockefeller Foundations, and UNESCO for funding and expertise.
The other feature according to the statement is Governance Structure whereby the Nigerian Government will hold a 25-49% minority stake through the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), ensuring private-sector efficiency and leadership.
The statement listed Flagship Projects to include the rehabilitation of Obudu Resort and Yankari Game Reserve, development of Abuja Creative City and Creation of 5,000 cinema screens nationwide
Others are the Wole Soyinka Creative City in Lagos, Launch of a Centre for African Arts and a New Era for Nigeria’s Creative Economy
Minister Hannatu Musawa emphasized the importance of modern infrastructure in unlocking Nigeria’s full creative potential.
“Everyone recognizes Nigeria’s creativity—our films, music, and fashion dominate globally. But without the right infrastructure, we can’t maximize this potential. Imagine if ‘Detty December’ in Lagos had world-class venues—the economic impact would be exponential.”
The CTIC approval is signal a major shift towards making Nigeria a global hub for tourism, film, music, and cultural heritage, positioning the country as a leading player in the global creative economy.
With FEC’s approval, the government is set to mobilize investors, develop priority projects, and implement innovative financing models to bring this vision to life.
The Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, in collaboration with MADhouse by Tikera Africa, has launched a call for applications for the ‘Re-imagining Hope Residency’, a 6-week immersive program designed to empower Nigerian creatives.
Special adviser on media and publicity to the minister Dr. Nneka Ikem Anibeze in a statement indicated that the residency will select 20 exceptional visual artists from across Nigeria and provide them with a structured mentorship experience, collaborative workshops, and open studio events aimed at addressing societal challenges through artistic expression.
The statement quoted the Honourable Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, to indicated that the initiative is a strategic step towards harnessing the power of creativity for national development.
“This program underscores the critical role of the creative industry in shaping national identity and addressing societal challenges. By empowering our creatives, we are investing in Nigeria’s future as a cultural and artistic powerhouse,” Musawa stated.
Osarume Akenzua, the Director of Innovation and Enterprise at Tikera Africa, highlighted the program’s broader impact, noting that:
“This residency is more than an artistic journey; it is a mission to re-imagine how art can build bridges, inspire unity, and catalyze change in the creative economy.”
The residency will run in two streams during the first and second quarters of 2025, providing participants with access to state-of-the-art facilities, shared studio spaces, and cultural excursions designed to deepen their connection to Nigeria’s heritage.
Application Details
Deadline: February 15, 2025
Apply via: https://clapnigeria.taplink.ws/
About MADhouse
MADhouse is a creative enterprise incubator dedicated to fostering creativity, innovation, and cultural preservation in Nigeria.
-
Crime1 year agoPolice nabs Killer of Varsity Lecturer in Niger
-
News1 year agoFCT-IRS tells socialite Aisha Achimugu not to forget to file her annual returns
-
Appointment1 year agoTinubu names El-Rufai, Tope Fasua, others in New appointments
-
Kogi1 year agoEchocho Challenges Tribunal Judgment ordering rerun in 94 polling units
-
Kogi1 year agoINEC cancells election in 67 polling units in Ogori-Magongo in Kogi
-
News1 year agoIPOB: Simon Ekpa gives reason for seperatists clamour for Biafra
-
Metro11 months ago‘Listing Simon Ekpa among wanted persons by Nigeria military is rascality, intimidation’
-
News1 year agoKingmakers of Igu/ Koton-Karfe dare Bello, urge him to reverse deposition of Ohimege-Igu