Culture
Igbo Groups bikker Over killings in the South-East
The World Igbo Union (WIU) has taken a swipe at the Chairman of World Igbo Congress, (WIC) Professor Anthony Ejiofor, for not speaking up against the killings in the South-East geopolitical zone of the country.
The leader of the organisation Mazi Ogechukwu Nkere stated this in a statement released to journalists in Abuja on Tuesday .
Nkere however, expressed appreciation for Ejiofor’s in-depth knowledge and understanding of the plight of Ndi Igbo in Nigeria, though “he was a bit twisted on the solutions he is advocating to our issues in Nigeria.”
He said Ejiofor’s claim that the sole objective of World Igbo Council (W.I.C) was the safety of Igbo lives and properties but remained silent on majority of the killings and banditry perpetuated by Fulani terrorist in Igbo Land.
According to him, “It then does not need an empirical research to claim that he and the organisation does not represent the global interest of Ndi Igbos.
“He intellectually expounded on the security architecture of the Igbo land and was right on the claim that the Nigerian Army have been infiltrated by Fulani herdsmen, repentant Boko Haram, Iswab and other terrorist units.
“He was also right in his claim that these terrorists have infiltrated Southeast Nigeria forests kidnaping, Killing and butchering innocent citizens.
“These terrorists also burn churches, homes, markets and business with the their motive to overrun the Igbo land with Islamic agenda.
“Ejiofor addressed the inadequacy of Ebube Agu whom he called thugs to political gladiators who does not have the interest of Igbos and cleverly demonstrated his understanding of the historic sufferings, marginalisation, subjugation and alienation of the Igbo Race politically and economically by the Fulani Nigerian Government (Rudolf played clips by Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and Ikemba Odimagwu Ojukwu to help)
“Against this background, to jump onto Rudolf Okonkwo’s programme to validate the continuity of the undisputed maltreatment of the Igbo Race, by advocating against no election in Biafra Land is misleading the Igbo Race you claim to lead.
“On the same programme Prof Ejiofor highlighted his concern over the few days sit at home.
“The fact that no one heard his cry over many months that our people sat at home during Covid 19 period without government assistance makes his concern a political gimmick rather than a genuine concern for the wellbeing of our people.
“On this same issue of sit at home the World Igbo Union wish to remind everyone that, Biafrans are willingly sitting at home in protest of the continued detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and the long suffering of the Igbo Race in Nigeria ; this have nothing to do with Mazi Simon Ekpa.
“It may disappoint you sir that in the absence of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, “Mazi Simon Ekpa is the next globally accepted Igbo Leader, Mazi Simon Ekpa commands the support and loyalty of majority of Igbos more than any acclaimed Igbo leader and the World Igbo Union will insist you stop your negative activities against Mazi Ekpa from henceforth.
“The World Igbo Union have taken keen interest and detailed note of your threats against Mazi Simon Ekpa (The Biafran Spokes Man) which is not taken lightly and should anything happen to him Professor Anthony Ejiofor the W.I.U and entire Southeast Nigeria and Biafra will hold you and your likes responsible.
“Since the unlawful rendition of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu from Kenya by the Fulani terrorist government of Nigerua, Professor Ejiofor and his acclaimed Organization have not been vocal about this illegal Kidnapping, disregard to the rule of law and court orders, inhumane treatment in DSS detention, and his worsening health condition.
“You claimed to have regular legal briefings on Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s case but the general Igbo public is yet to hear or read from you loudly on this matter.
“Your talk about Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and Igbo issues in such strong terms at this election period makes your motives politically suspicious to World Igbo Union.
“You noted that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has won all the legal case against him and now illegally held in detention by the president. Knowing all these facts and advocating for 2023 election presents a case of intellectual mismatch or wilful deceit.
“One of your panels advised you to take on Mazi Simon Ekpa’s challenge of releasing Mazi Nnamdi Kanu from detention as a barter for holding elections in Biafra Land in 2023, the World Igbo Union is looking forward to you taking up this challenge as a demonstration that truly you have the interest of Igbo people at heart.
“The World Igbo Union wish to alert you and your likes that in the absence of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, South-easterners and Biafrans believe that Mazi Simon Ekpa is the last man standing to lead them through the bridge of their destination and we warn you not to stand in the way of this moving train.
“It is the opinion and view of the World Igbo Union that it was more interesting listening to Biafra Information Minister of the African Union Chanel than listening to your disguised politically engineered campaign.
“This is so because in your interview with Rudolf Okonkwo you sounded and came across more like Peter Obi’s campaign Manager than an Igbo leader, “
Africa’s participation in the G20 Ministers of Culture meeting, led by Barrister Hannatu Musawa, Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, is a major step forward in the continent’s cultural diplomacy.
The event, which held at the Salvador Convention Centre in Brazil, saw Musawa represent the African Union, where she advocated for the role of Africa’s cultural heritage in advancing economic growth, social cohesion, and global understanding.
Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Nneka Ikem Anibeze in a statement indicated that, Musawa also served as the 1st Vice-Chairperson of the Bureau of the Specialized Technical Committee on Youth, Culture, and Sports within the African Union.
L-R: Hon. Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy Hon. Hannatu Musa Musawa exchanging Pleasantries with Union Minister of Culture and Tourism of India, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat at the G20 Ministers of Culture Meeting in Salvador, Brazil at the weekend
She quoted Musawa to have expressed gratitude for Africa’s inclusion in the discussions and highlighted the continent’s cultural diversity as a source of strength.
The minister reiterated the urgent need for Africa to capitalize on its cultural resources to drive sustainable development and unity within the continent and globally.
“Africa’s cultural diversity is one of our greatest assets. We must use it as a tool to propel development, foster unity, and create shared growth opportunities,” said Musawa.
“Our inclusion in the G20 dialogues ensures that the priorities of our people are heard, and the global conversation better reflects the needs of Africa.”
The Minister praised the historic nature of the African Union’s involvement in the meeting, which provided a platform for critical conversations around culture’s role in shaping Africa’s future.
Musawa underscored the importance of the G20’s Ministerial Declaration, which calls for increased cooperation, greater support for African culture, and more opportunities for Africa to achieve its goals outlined in Agenda 2063.
Musawa also highlighted the importance of cultural rights, diversity, and dialogue as essential for building resilient, inclusive, and innovative societies.
She emphasized that culture should be viewed as a driver of development and social cohesion, a theme that resonated throughout the discussions.
She extended her thanks to Brazil for its exceptional leadership as G20 President and expressed confidence in South Africa’s upcoming presidency. “We appreciate Brazil’s leadership and efforts to elevate culture within the global agenda. As we look to South Africa’s presidency, we are eager to ensure that Africa’s cultural priorities remain at the forefront,” Musawa said.
Throughout the meeting, Musawa engaged with counterparts from several countries, including Saudi Arabia, Angola, South Africa, Korea, China, and France, focusing on key issues within her ministry’s strategic framework.
One notable outcome the statement said was her bilateral meeting with Brazil’s Minister of Culture, where discussions centered around the rehabilitation of Nigeria’s Cultural House in Salvador as part of the Nigeria Destination 2030 initiative, aimed at preserving cultural heritage and enhancing the country’s cultural diplomacy.
The meeting also highlighted the need for increased investment in Africa’s cultural and creative industries.
The African Union emphasized its strategic vision for inclusive and sustainable development and highlighted the importance of cultural diplomacy in strengthening Africa’s global position.
In closing, Musawa reaffirmed the African Union’s commitment to continued collaboration with the G20 and a stronger emphasis on cultural priorities, ensuring that Africa’s voice is heard and its interests are advanced on the global stage.
The Minister of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, has emphasized the power of creative therapy in addressing pressing social and health challenges during the Global South Arts and Health Week at the Nigeria Pavilion in Abuja.
Addressing policymakers, healthcare professionals, artists, and advocates, Musawa underscored the vital role of the arts in promoting healing and resilience within communities.
The special Adviser to the Minister on Media and Publicity Dr. Nneka Ikem Anibeze in a statement quoted Musawa to have highlighted how creativity supports mental health, combats displacement, and assists in recovery from pandemics.
“Art has always been a part of our collective human experience, reflecting our identities, providing comfort, and serving as vehicles for hope and healing.
“As we address challenges in health, displacement, aging, and everyday life, the arts offer us a path forward, transforming pain into healing and inspiring the resilience needed to overcome adversity.”
Musawa advocated for arts-based programs that promote maternal health, mental wellness, and social inclusion.
The Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy, she noted, is committed to initiatives that unlock the potential of the creative sector, expand access to the arts, and support cultural expression and creative practitioners.
The event set the stage for ongoing collaboration between art and health sectors, aiming to foster social cohesion, enhance mental well-being, and create inclusive spaces through the transformative power of the arts.
The Federal Executive Council, has approved the establishment of the Creative Economy Development Fund (CEDF) and the rollout of the Intellectual Property (IP) Monetisation Pilot.
The initiatives are designed to provide financial support and leverage intellectual property as a key asset for Nigeria’s growing creative industry.
The CEDF, which will offer a range of financial instruments such as debt, quasi-equity, and equity, aims to boost access to finance for creatives.
It also introduces a groundbreaking model for using intellectual property as collateral to secure financing. According to the Minister of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, the fund will empower young Nigerian creatives by enabling them to monetize their talents and IP assets.
Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Minister, Nneka Ikem Anibeze in a statement quoted her to have explained saying,
“This is a significant milestone for Nigeria’s creative industry. The Creative Economy Development Fund will equip young people with the tools to turn their creative talents into sustainable livelihoods,” Musawa said, during the Council meeting.
“The IP Monetisation Pilot, developed in collaboration with the African Development Bank (AfDB) under the iDICE programme, will serve as a precursor to the creation of a National IP Monetisation Framework, which will be integrated into Nigeria’s broader IP policy.”
The Minister highlighted the government’s collaboration with several key ministries, including Justice, Finance, and Industry, to ensure the smooth implementation of both initiatives.
She added that the ministry is also proposing the Creative Economy Development Fund Act to ensure long-term funding and governance of the CEDF.
The initiatives the statement explained further are expected to revolutionize Nigeria’s creative sector by establishing a robust intellectual property asset base, enhancing access to finance through IP securitization, and boosting investor confidence in the sector.
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