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Ogbona Community plans musical extravaganza — HRH Chief Willy Uloko Idode

Leave a Comment / Palace of Okphe Ukpi of Ogbona /

Ogbona Community plans musical extravaganza — HRH Chief Wily Uloko Idode By Gabriel Omonhinmin 14 April 2019   |   2:59 am   On April 4, His Royal Highness, Chief Willy Uloko Idode, Okphe-Ukpi of Ogbona, celebrated his 60th birthday and nine years on the throne. He called Palace Watch to discuss his people’s plans to mark their bi-annual festival known as the Ogbona Day later this month. He said: “it is going to be a massive musical extravaganza that will re-awaken our people’s cultural consciousness, especially in the area of music and dance drama. We have long realised that the area we have comparative advantage other than the farming is music. “In Etsako in particular and Edo State in general, we are known as the music makers. So, we want to take advantage of it. Indeed, it was my resolve that, at 60 and nine years on my ancestral throne, I must provide required leadership to boost my people’s economy. “Although it is innate in us to make good music, which we use as a weapon to correct the ills in our society, and redirect men’s affairs. But this we have done for several decades purely for personal entertainment during festivities. Now, we have decided to take this a step further, by organising this musical extravaganza that will attract many guests within and outside Edo State to Ogbona. “During the period the extravaganza will last, our guests will be entertained in a manner they won’t forget in a hurry. We are expecting Edo State government and Federal Government to send representatives and partner with us, in our desire to make Ogbona one of the cultural hubs of Edo State. “We are taking this step at this particular time in our historical life, because a lot of researchers from within and outside Nigeria have been coming lately to Ogbona to research into our cultural background, especially in the area of Etsako music. These researchers appreciate the unique melody we make in Ogbona, thereby putting the community on the world map. “Although, we have a lot of musical and dance festivals in Ogbona, the ones we are focusing on during this bi-annual festival include Aigbe Dancing group, which is for both men and women, though women are dominant. There is also Igberemuen Dancing Group, which literary means ‘I am doing my dance.’ This dancing group is also called “Armi.” “We shall be showcasing the Ilo Group, which is a masquerade group. Then there is Ibana, the Night Spirit Group, which is mostly performed at night. It is used for entertainment and for enforcement of discipline, law and order in our communities. During the performance, they produce melodious and touching music that pricks the souls of listeners and warn them against all manner of social infraction. “Izie is another dance we shall be featuring. There is Izie for men and for women. The Izie for men, also known as “Izie Nokhu,” is the dance drama we use when a lady is to be escorted to her husband’s house for marriage. Izie for women is purely for entertainment. There is another very interesting dance we shall showcase at the event called Ishokpo, which is known as the hunter’s dance. There are other dances we would have loved to showcase, but because of education and modern-day civilization, some families no longer allow their daughters to participate in them. “So, we are inviting Edo State Ministry of Culture and Tourism alongside Federal Ministries. Many foreigners will be gracing the occasion. “During the forthcoming Easter Festival, we will be holding a conference to finalise plans for the day and immediately after, we shall announce the date for the festival proper. https://guardian.ng/sunday-magazine/ogbona-community-plans-musical-extravaganza-hrh-chief-wily-uloko-idode/

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Official Handover of Our Market to the LG, April 12th, 2019

Leave a Comment / Palace of Okphe Ukpi of Ogbona /

AKHIGBE COMMISSIONS MARKET, PROMISE TO EXPAND IT The Executive Chairman Etsako Central Local Government Area, Comrade John Osi Akhigbe today commended the Ogbona community for their communal efforts in the development of their community. The chairman made the commendation during the commissioning and taking over 80 open market stores built by the community through self-help effort as a way of modernizing their market. He said it was the primary responsibility of any government to provide social amenities such as market for the people and also taking over the running and maintenance of such a market. While congratulating the Ukpe-Ukpi of Ogbona, Chief Willie Idode for the numerous communal developments, said it is the only community that has not been waiting for government before they start any project in their community. The chairman said that government will do everything possible to see how the market can be expanded to accommodate both local and foreign traders. He however appealed to the palace chiefs for adequate cooperation with the council staff in the area of revenue collection so that the council can do more for the people. Welcoming the chairman and his entourage to the official handing over of the market to the local government, the Village head and the Okphe-Ukpi of Ogbona Sub-clan, HRH Chief Willie Idode said the project was a dream come true. He said that the construction of the market started in 2009 with the assistant of the then local government chairman which today has been a fulfilment of purpose. He however appealed to the chairman to as a matter urgency construct speed breaker along the highway to help control speed of vehicles around the market. The Vice chairman, Rtn. Ambrose Kelvin Akhigbe, SLG Robert Elamah, DAS, Mrs. Momoh, supervisory councilors for Agriculture, Health and others were present at the event. Highpoint was the cutting of the tape by the chairman for the commissioning. THE EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN ETSAKO CENTRAL LGA THE CHIEFS THE ELDERS THE MARKET MEN & WOMEN LADIES AND GENTLEMEN. ADDRESS PRESENTED BY HRH WILLY IDODE (THE OKPHE UKPI OF OGBONA) ON OFFICIAL HANDOVER OF OUR MARKET TO THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT, APRIL 12TH, 2019 It is with joy mixed with a little sadness that I welcome you all to this occasion which marks the official handover of our market project to the Etsako Central Local Government Council. Ordinarily, our joy today should be boundless. We appear to be the last community on this highway to establish a market close to it. Let me give a historical background. This Auchi Agenebode road was constructed and made motorable about 1976. We had expected that it would go through Ogbona town but unfortunately, as it seemed at the time, it bypassed the town. As it is with roads everywhere, our people soon started experiencing disadvantages. Vehicular traffic through the town was greatly reduced so much so that our people were dropped on the road to trek to their houses. Our only market was also affected as commercial vehicle drivers would no longer ply the dilapidated township roads. It was at this point that there was an attempt to move the market close to the highway or building a new one. Disagreement, mainly associated with the politics of traditional hierarchy, set in. The attendant delay caused by this disagreement is regrettable. But as we usually say, it is better late than never. It was, however, in 2009 that our community commenced work on the construction of this market with the active and generous assistance of the Local Government Administration of Hon. Joseph Ugheoke. We are grateful to him for coming to our assistance. As we hand this market with ………open market stalls over to the Local Government Council today, we declare it as work in progress. We expect and appeal to the Local Government Council to expand it. As with other communities which suffered same fate with the construction of this highway, we appeal to the council chairman, as a matter of urgency to put speed breakers along the high way to help to control the speed of vehicles around the market Our Comrade Chairman, destiny, fate and perhaps our ancestors may have conspired to ensure that it is during your administration that this Ogbona main market is being handed over to the council. We urge the council to take full control of it, manage it to the mutual benefit of the government, the indigenes and all those who buy and sell here. We congratulate you and wish you a very successful tenure.   Thank you all.   CHIEF WILLIAM IDODE OKPHE-UKPI (SUB-CLAN HEAD) OF OGBONA  

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NEW YEAR FESTIVAL (ADUI IKU KWA) IN AVHIANWU

Leave a Comment / Avhianwu Clan /

NEW YEAR FESTIVAL (ADUI IKU KWA) IN AVHIANWU – BARRI INAEDE Adui iku kwa in Avhianwu clan Etsako Central Edo State is celebrated yearly across the four (4) clans in AVHIANWU namely IVHIUNONE, IVHIARUA, OGBONA (IMHAKHENA) AND URALOKHOR between March and April as the situation may warrant in each year to mark the dawn of a new Year traditionally. The literary meaning of “adui iku kwa” is waste disposal or cleansing of all past things and deeds. Waste disposal is the process of getting rid of all unwanted products in our homes, society and environment. A day of adui iku kwa is a day that is compulsory for everyone to reconcile whatever differences they have with their neighbours. No one is expected to cross this day harboring hurts, grief, pains, offences, in their hearts. You may call it a Day of Reconciliation, settlement, revival, renewal. Adui iku kwa makes all things new again. Relationships rekindle, victims of broken marriages take advantage of this day to seek reunion. This day is known for a day where sons in laws pay tribute to their fathers and mothers in laws. One visits his in-laws with gift, sometimes a bottle of hot drink or a keg of specially reserved palm wine and some cash (optional), and in company of his respected and responsible friends. The Peculiar soup for all family today is ogbolor (omhi akphe) and pounded yam. Parents call all their children at home and abroad to release the yearly blessings to them, sincerely from their heart. The content of this prayer is “goodness, mercy, favour and blessings on our way, we have disposed the evil waste, …… It is a day of joy and celebration for all elderly men and traditional rulers for they have seen yet another year. This is why the sound of gunshot opened the day early this morning. This feast ushers the people into a new planting season. The people believe that though rain has not resumed in the region for planting, it may likely shower today to celebrate with the people and open the season for them. There are no particular rituals associated with this feast. All sons in laws of Avhianwu do surely pays tribute to them on this feast. On this day, all family used to pack all dirty clothes to the river to wash. All corners of the homes are properly swept. Just like the Bible says, old things must be passed away and new things must begin from this day. It used to be a day for tireless swimming, hide and seek fun play in the river for the teenagers, etc. The song that is normally sing today when going and coming back from the river is ” Emor si vha gwe nor leh khu kpeh nor lamhi vha lor o, Agbado nukpe, gia kege gia” The fruit that normally opted for today after visiting the river for the festival is VELVET TAMALIN (UGIEH). All the young people will pluck Velvet tamalin and take them home to share for loved ones. It’s really a festival of love for all sons and daughters of Avhianwu. The greetings that is predominant in Avhianwu today is Onortse onortse lor Ewie wia lor Mha du iku ebe lakwa. Happy new year to all Avhianwu people ————————————————————————— NEW YEAR FESTIVAL (ADUI IKU KWA) IN AVHIANWU – BEN IKHANE The day of Aduiku’kwa starts with a night vigil by the Ivhiomu’kpes from Ebadi kindred in Ivhiunone. The eldest man in the kindred informs the extended family in Ebadi and the Ikhane family (the only branch of the Ebadi kindred in Ogbona) on the date of the vigil prior to the declaration of the new year. By midnight of that period all the Ivhiomu’kpes (makers of the new year) after keeping watch around the Ukpe shrine will invoke the gods to fashion a new year for the people of Avhianwu. They will make the necessary sacrifices and make series of invocations and supplications till the wee hours of the morning. Shortly before cock crow the Ivhiomu’kpes with a loaded dane gun match round (while sweeping off the old year and all its attendant negativities and evils) the old market square chatting some incantations. At the sound of the first cock crow the Dane gun is fired and the new year is pronounced. There upon all citizens take up the chant of Aduikwebe lakwa. Onotse onotse lo… This how the new year starts in Avhianwu clan. Presently, John Ikhane is the present eldest man of the Ivhiomu’kpes at the demise of the last one (Robert) whose funeral has not been done. Mattias Ikhane goes to Fugar yearly for this ceremony on behalf of the Ikhane family. Ben Ikhane attended the vigil as far back as 1992. There are many hidden things that are not meant for the public ear. —————————————————————————- NEW YEAR FESTIVAL (ADUI IKU KWA) IN AVHIANWU – JOHN ANAWEOKHAI THE OGBONA THAT FLOWS IN MY VENS (PART XVII) Christmas and New Years were not only the seasons we celebrated with pump and pageantry. We celebrated new yam, Esi festival and new year too. Yes, New Year that is very distinct from that of the first of January. It is known as Aduikwu Kwa. It is celebrated about the month of February to April in the height of the harmattan season. One striking thing about this festival is the level of prayers. Everybody prays on this very day. The greetings centre on prayers and pronouncement of blessings. It is generally believed that enmity must not exceed this day as those who hadn’t been in good terms all through the year are enjoyed to meld fences. There must be no carry over of anything untoward. It is a moment elders pronounce blessings on the younger ones. In fact, as you wake up, the first thing you hear in the morning is ONOTSE ONOTSE LO which translates, it is blessing upon blessing. ADUIKWE ‘BE LA KWA. Meaning, we clean ourselves of

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THE AMAZON, MADAM ODODOIBO OBEAKEMHE & THE ANTI-TAX RIOT OF 1961/1962

Leave a Comment / Biographies of Ogbona Past Leaders /

THE AMAZON, MADAM ODODOIBO OBEAKEMHE & THE ANTI-TAX RIOT OF 1961/1962 History pages are strewn with women contributions to the emancipation of human race. Often times, they risked their lives, broke with traditions, overcame gender barriers and jumped in where even men would fear to trend. Queen Amina of Zaria and Mrs. Funmilayo Ransome Kuti easily come to mind. The Aba women riot of 1929 is still as fresh as ever. Unfortunately, for reasons best known to historians and more out of ethnic bigotry than subtle display of chauvinism, the heroic contributions of Uwomha Ododoibo Obeakemhe to the liberation of Avhianwu people from the burden of the obnoxious tax regime known as Schedule 2 (SEDETU)from the local authority is not mentioned anywhere in the history books. Worse still, even at the local level, there is no memorabilia in her honor for her heroic deeds. Before any form of rigmarole, the questions are immediately propelled, what is the meaning of ODODOIBO and who is Mrs. Ododoibo Obeakemhe?   Ododoibo means the glittering cloth of the white race or the glittering flower of the white race. (a very pretty woman) Ododoibo was the great and brave daughter of Omosue (aka Onuguna) of Ivhianaga quarters, Okotor Ogbona. Her mother was Mrs. Anwuekpe of Ivhiobere kingdom, Ivhido, Ogbona.   Late Ododoibo was born circa 1894 and got married to Late Obeakemhe Onaikpe around 1912. She died in May 1975. She was among the first uneducated women to travel out of Ogbona to visit her first son who was a driver to the king of Ondo. Her visit to Ondo exposed her to western education and the business world. Upon her return from Ondo, she led a protest to the then village head, late Okozi Ebeto that girls who normally went out naked as it was the practice, should be allowed to tie wrapper around their waist.   She also leveraged her business experience in Ondo and got involved petty trading. She was fully engaged in trade by barter as she would go to Osomhegbe Ikpata markets to exchange ume (camwood) with fish. She would in-return, sold (exchange) the fish obtained for other items. she was indeed, a rally point in the community. She was also a woman leader in Ivhiochie when politics was introduced in the late forties.   HER INVOLVEMENT IN OGBONA WOMEN RIOT OF 1961/1962 Prior to the attainment of political independence in 1960, the tax law that was practiced in Nigeria was pal tax. That is, every person irrespective of political affiliation was expected to pay the same amount as tax.   Upon attainment of political independence, the western Nigeria Regional Government (ACTION GROUP) enacted a tax law that was discriminatory in nature. Schedule 2 (sadetu) of that tax law was targeted at political opponents who were expected to pay higher tax because they belonged to the opposing party. The NCNC was also guilty of such political victimization too, being the party at the federal level.   The season witnessed unwarranted arrest of some political opponents who could not pay the schedule 2 tax notices served them. Some people absconded from their homes in the village to hide in their farm for several months for fear of being arrested by tax law enforcements officers. In November, 1961, some tax enforcement officers from the Afenmai Divisional Council Office at Auchi were deployed to Ogbona to enforce collection of the higher taxes. The tax men invaded Ogbona as early as 5.00am in a bid to arrest the tax evaders who mainly were members of the opposition party in the western region. Some men were arrested and bundled into a waiting van.   Tax collectors had able allies in the persons of Mr. Tenebe, the then maternity dispenser who collected taxes for the council and Mr. Opel Ayalomhe who was in charge of issuing receipts.   But, for the bravery of Ododoibo who mobilized some other women like Isomhepo Enamhegbai, Omomhirue Anabor, Aretsa Oboarekpe, Omhonaya Ebraimah-Ikoko, and a host of others, Ogbona men would have remained pawns in the chessboard of tax men. The women barricaded the road to Auch, disarmed the tax officers and freed those already arrested. The driver of the vehicle and the tax officer were asked to leave the village for peace to reign. The women were dressed in native farm uniform of EGBU thus signposting the readiness for war at the least provocation. The tax officers made several attempts till early 1962 to arrest some indigenes of Ogbona but each attempt was met with stiff resistance and consequently foiled by the protesting women who were ready for any show down. The protest lasted for more than four months.   Though the protest did not completely cancel the obnoxious tax regime, it spared the men from the humiliation of being bundled into waiting van like common criminals. Again, it brought about civil proceedings as those who were excessively taxed had the opportunity to seek redress in Fugar and appeal in Auchi. Things were said to be so bad that a woman had to carry her husband on her back to farm in order to escape the plying eyes of tax collectors in Iraokhor. Upon discovery of her prank, the man fell from the back and ran into the bush to the amusement of everyone.   Uwomha Ododoibo’s action was said to have spurred Iraokhor women into similar action to save their men from further humiliating tendencies. Her political activism also came to the fore when the election between Chief M.C.K Orbih and Chief G.M Udochi in 1964 was rigged in favor of Chief Udochi at Okpella. As a matter of fact, there was no election as fictitious results were written at Okpella. Uwomha Ododoibo organized and mobilized everybody to Assumpta School, now Saint Angela’s Girls Secondary School Afashio were results were being collated. Within a short time, the place was taken over by Ogbona people with the sworn mission to raze it down with fire. It took the intervention

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REPORT OF THE FREE MEDICAL OUTREACH OF OGBONA ELITES FORUM

Leave a Comment / Ogbona Elites Forum /

FINAL REPORT OF THE FREE MEDICAL OUTREACH OF OGBONA ELITES FORUM HELD AT MCK ORBIH HEALTH CENTRE, OGBONA FROM 1ST TO 3RD SEPTEMBER 2018   SUMMARY Ogbona Elites Forum organized a 3-day medical outreach to Ogbona Community and environ from September 01 to 03, 2018. Over 3,000 people from Ogbona and surrounding villages were at the MCK Orbih Comprehensive Health Centre daily for the free medical programs. Below is a summarized list of cases completed during the medical outreach. Dental treatment 113 Eye surgeries 42 General and Gynecological surgeries 80 ECG done on Patients 25 Eye drugs given 575 Eye glasses given 700 Dental drugs given 409 GOPD (CHILDREN, ELDERLY, HYPERTENSIVE, DIABETES., MALARIA, TYPHOID, UTI, URTI, etc.) with drugs given at PHARMACY 2,400 and LAB TEST PERFORMED 496   EdoSACA organized two Counseling and Testing Tents to provide privacy and shelter to all that came for the HIV Testing Services (HTS). A total of 119 persons were counseled and tested using the full complement of M&E tools. All the people were made to go through both the Pre-test and Post-test counseling routines. Dako Foundation for Rural Health Care & Education Total number of children given vitamin A who are less than 1 year = 51, Total number of children given Vitamin A who are 1 year and above =628, Total number of people 1 year and above who were dewormed =1945, Total number of pregnant and lactating mothers who were given multivitamin = 108   Ogbona Medical Outreach Training 1: CPR TRAINING: 33 persons trained. 2: BLS TRAINING: 6 Nurses participated. The training session was not comprehensive due to In and Out of participants from the class because of their involvement in the theater and the wards. Will have a comprehensive session at a later date. 3: ACLS: This could not hold. No time.   Background The idea of a free medical outreach in Ogbona originated from Moses Itsuokor in April 2017 when he suggested that a letter be written to JC International to include Ogbona in their Medical Outreach plan. At the end, Moses Itsuokor and Peter Aigba were designated to follow up with JC international. As this was taking time to materialize, Dr. Benedict Itsuokor came up with his own idea of a medical mission to Ogbona that eventually gave rise to the one held in September 2018. Dr Ben Itsuokor deserves all the encomiums for translating our dream of a medical outreach into reality. Providence, no doubt, will ever be kind to him for the kind gesture. As soon as Dr. Ben Itsuokor fixed the date for program, members of the health committee made up of Philip Ogedegbe (lead), Dr. Paulinus Abu, Catherine Asapokhai, Christopher Asapokhai, Peter Aigba, John Anaweokhai, Stella Mode, Augustine Mode, Bernard Ikhane, Gilbert Odior, Dr. Felix Orbih, Vital Ilega, Moses Kadeer Itsuokor, Pastor Mrs. Julie Inu Umoru and Okphe Ukpi of Ogbona, Chief Willy Uloko Idode went to work. Activities for the program were compartmentalized into two different but integrated fronts. While one was being coordinated from Europe, the other was locally coordinated. As expected, it was not easy getting everything to jell. As fate, would have it, the idea to have a plan B to mitigate the possible effects of any eventuality was muted and the committee bought into it, crystallized it into fund generation, and at the end, over three million (3,000,000.00) naira was realized from both OEF members and non-members.   A day before the commencement of the event, a meeting was held in the OEF President’s house, to review our readiness for the outreach. In attendance were Gilbert Odior, Dr. Felix Orbih, John Anaweokhai, Dr Paulinus Abu, Philip Ogedegbe, Bernard Ikhane, Stella Mode, Augustine Mode and His Royal Highness, Chief Willy Idode. The event was previewed, new roles were assigned and loose ends were tied up. We collectively went to the health centre to see things for ourselves. It was discovered that a lot of awareness and sensitization about the event had been created with everyone waiting for us to deliver. Luckily enough, The Okphe Ukpi had organized and mobilized the youth of Ogbona to tidy up and fumigate the entire hospital buildings and the surroundings. Of course, available offices were designated and properly labeled in readiness for the medical outreach program kickoff. The Local Government Chairman, Mr. John Osi Akhigbe also visited to see for himself the extent of preparation.   As expected, things were a bit lethargic on the first day of the event but straightened out shortly. Makurdi team had arrived the previous day. They soon swung into action at about 9:30 am. Drugs were a major concern as Peter Aigba had to practically stayed awake all night to monitor the movement of the vehicle that conveyed them from Lagos. Though a bit late, the drugs arrived safely and were taken to the pharmacy department.   At about 1pm, the Europe team led by Dr. Benedict Itsuokor arrived. As appropriate, Dr. Ben’s arrival ushered in our planned one-hour opening ceremony. In attendance were The Okphe Ukpi of Ogbona, Chief Willy Idode who also doubled as the chairman of the occasion, The Okphe Ukpi of Iraokhor Chief Ilogho and other palace Chiefs from Ogbona. Also, in attendance was the Chairman Etsako Local Govt Council; Mr. John Osi Akhigbe, who was accompanied by his leadership team. Men and women of the news media as well as the cream of the society.   The Okphe Ukpi of Ogbona, Chief Willy Idode, The OEF President, Mr. Gilbert Odior, Dr. Benedict Itsuokor and Mr. John Osi Akhigbe all gave their welcome addresses and short speech respectively. Phillip Ogedegbe gave the vote of thanks and John Anaweokhai was the master of the ceremony. After all the speeches, guests were given a taste of the reach culture and tradition of Ogbona in its raw and undiluted form as they were entertained by the unified Agbi dance band and Amhi troupe. It was a colorful display that left all asking for more. The

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REPORT OF THE CAREER AND SEMINAR PROGRAMS HELD ON 12TH & 13TH JULY, 2018 AT OGBONA

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REPORT OF THE CAREER AND SEMINAR PROGRAMS HELD ON 12TH & 13TH JULY, 2018 AT OGBONA. SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT 2018 Ogbona Elites Forum (OEF) Annual Career Day & Seminar for Students and Teachers at Ogbona Date:  12th & 13th July, 2018. Venues: Ogbona Secondary School & Imhakhena Primary School  Title: ENTREPRENEURIAL SKILLS, A SURE WAY TO GREATER FUTURE KEYNOTE ADDRESS: POVERTY, A COWARD IN THE FACE OF ENTREPRENEURIAL SKILLS – Prof Egwakhe, A. Johnson OTHER SPEAKERS. Halifo Yacop: Financial Literacy for a Secured Future by Ken Odior Mrs. Lade Akpa: Training the Trainer (Effective Teaching and Classroom Management for Primary and Secondary School Teachers) Bernard Ikhane: Vocational Interest & Inventory Blackman Aigbiremolen: Learning Skills for the 21st Century Student Clarita Panuel-Egwakhe: The Teenage Girl & Her Glorious Future. John Odior Anaweokhai: Boy, Know Thyself Co-coordinators Bernard Kasim Ikhane, John Odior Anaweokhai and Peter Aigba In accordance with the term of reference given to the Career And Seminar Committee to organize annual training and seminar events for both the primary and secondary schools teachers on one hand and the secondary school students on the other, the committee made up of Bernard Ikhane, Johnson Egwakhe, Peter Aigba, John Anaweokhai, Taye Anavhe, set out early April this year to achieve the given objective by liaising with the school authorities to fix the 12th and 13th of July 2018 for the events. ENTREPRENEURIAL SKILLS, A SURE WAY TO GREATER FUTURE was chosen as the main theme for the program. The primary objectives of the program were to expose the students to career choices, develop their entrepreneurial skills and give them a better orientation about the concept of money, its importance, how it can be acquired and better managed. The teachers were also to have their teaching skills sharpened to meet up with the challenges of the ever dynamic world of academics. By Wednesday 11th July, 2018 all the coordinators made up of Bernard Ikhane, Johnson Egwakhe, Peter Aigba and John Anaweokhai were at home to ensure everything was in place for the program. On Thursday 12th July, 2018 at 9:30 am, all the students were gathered on the assembly ground where Prof. Johnson Egwakhe and John Anaweokhai addressed the them. They were quick to observe the great transformation that had taken place as noticeably displayed by the student’s appearance, comportment, civility and teachability. They could not help but ask them to clap for themselves. They got more than they bargained for when they asked the students to file into the hall prepared for the event. It was as if they were in a place different from where we were last year. At the end, we had to painfully excused the JSS1 and JSS2 students. Prof. Johnson Egwakhe took the keynote address and was ably assisted with the projector by his wife, Mrs. Clarita Panuel Egwakhe. The second Lecture titled FINANCIAL LITERACY was also taken by Prof. Egwakhe after career inventory interest form administration. Mr. Bernard Ikhane who had earlier trained the teachers on how to administer the carrier inventory interest form, was joined by the teachers to administer the form on the students. Mr. Ikhane and I later joined our The Board of Trustees Chairperson, Pastor Mrs. Julie Inu Umoru to The Palace of The Okphe Ukpi to present, books, learning material worth about half a million naira, #500,000 to the 3 Primary Schools in Ogbona. We got the through for the day at about 2:30pm Event of Thursday 13th July were kicked off by Mr. Blackman, one of the consultants who taught the students the basic skills in learning such as how to avoid distraction, eliminate fear and how to get the best out of every reading exercise. He held the students spell-bound until Dr. Lade Akpa and Mrs. Clarita Panuel Egwakhe took turns to engage the girls on the topic: THE TEENAGE GIRL & HER GLORIOUS FUTURE. Both of them did a good job with the excitement, singing amidst clapping by the students in appreciation. Peter Aigba and I took turn too to talk to the boys on the danger of wasting and investing time in non-profitable ventures. The Topic was: BOY, KNOW THYSELF At about 12:30 pm that day, the primary school teachers joined their secondary school counterparts for their training. Dr Mrs. Lade Akpa and Mr. Bernard Ikhane also took turn to train the teachers. The Okphe Ukpi came later in the afternoon to see things for himself. A total of 43 teachers made up of the following attended the program Patience Akhamiemhona, Amy Aseghiemhe, Lucky Isorai, Angela Osigwe,, Thomas Aseghiemhe, Patience Odion, Roseline Ihonde, Liveth Odia, Esther Akhaine, Janet Saliu, E.O Aruokhai, E.I Enamhegbai, C.M Idris, S.O Orbih, B.Z Aliu, H.O Ikhane, B.I Ikhaghu, O.G Okhimamhe, Joan Ayalomhe, M.O Omomoh, M.I Damissah, F.N Obemeata, S.A Idode, E.A Izibiri, Jenifer Aliu, Friday Ilega, Syvester Irene, Oghenerukwme Ukpeuwru, Stephen Ozemota, Victoria Anugoba, Christy Oputeh, George Itsisor, O.Z Bada, Taye Peace Bamidele, Esther Itsuokor, Stella Aliu, Angela Oni, Caleb Idikhumhi, Ferdinand Umole, Idris Omodibo, O.M Agunu and Isaac Oghale.   FINDINGS & RECOMMENDATIONS This year’s program clearly shows that our previous effort in this direction has been a worthwhile investment. There is considerable transformation in the student’s attitude to learning as they appear with no trace of the hitherto lackluster mindset approach to learning. Again, all the teachers attested to the positive impacts of the previous program on them in particular and the students by extension. Once again, the problem of absence of a hall with enough space to contain all the students came to the fore. The school needs a bigger hall than what they have right now. #393,040 was budgeted for the career and seminar program. Attached is the breakdown of the budget. At the end there was a balance of NGN10,100. In conclusion, I want to submit the program is a well-conceived one that needs to be sustained for the betterment of the students and the teachers in particular and our community in general. I want to appreciate everyone

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THE TEENAGE GIRL AND HER GLORIOUS FUTURE BY DR. (MRS.) OMOLADE F. O. AKPA

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THE TEENAGE GIRL AND HER GLORIOUS FUTURE BY DR. (MRS.) OMOLADE F. O. AKPA THE CONCEPT OF TEENAGE AND TEENAGE GIRL A teenager, or teen, is a young person whose age falls within the range from 13-18. They are called teenagers because their age number ends with “teen”. When a teenager turns 19 they are still a teenager, in addition to being a full legal adult. Usage by ordinary people varies, and also varies in different societies. Most societies traditionally had a formal ceremony to mark the change from childhood to adulthood. During puberty, rapid mental and physical development occurs. Adolescence is the name for this transition period from childhood to adulthood. A teenage girl therefore is a girl between the ages of 13 – 18.  CONTEMPORARY CHALLENGES OF THE TEENAGE GIRL Appearance This probably features as the number one problem on every teenage girl’s problem list. This is the time when your body is constantly changing and you have to cope with it. To top it, you keep seeing and hearing about these figure-perfect bodies. Education This creates immense pressure on your you and leads to stress and undue pressure. Dating Teenage already comes with a lot of problems and challenges. The sudden increased flow of sex hormones inside the body makes it even worse. Also, this is an extremely confusing time for you, in terms of precautions, safe sex and how much involvement is okay and by choice. Bullying Bullying is one of the issues which bothers teenagers alot. This starts affecting their personality and behavior. You might also feel depressed and react strangely by keeping to herself. Friendship Teenage makes every relation seem complex. Even the beautiful bond of friendship often meets shaky grounds. This is because as a teenager, you develop social skills. Self-Esteem Teenage girls have this habit of comparing themselves, their body and their appearance to other girls of their age. This unconsciously creates a pressure on them. The changes in your teenage girl’s body might make her doubt herself. She might get extremely conscious about everything she does, wears or even talks about. This might adversely affect her self-esteem. Peer Pressure Peer pressure forces teenage girls to behave a certain way that gives them a sense of belongingness. By giving into peer pressure they feel one with their peers. This even leads them to take up habits that they otherwise aren’t supposed to or are interested in. Substance Use This is a major problem that most teenagers, girls and boys, face across the world today. In most cases, peer pressure introduces teenage girls to this dangerous habit. Teenage girls retort to substance use to ease their stress, feel secure and assured from within. Menstruation This is the time you will enter your menstruation phase for the first time. You might develop a lot of misconceptions and queries too in regard to your menstruation cycle. Depression Teenage girls can get affected by any random thing. When things don’t go their way, or when they don’t meet the standards that their peers have maintained, they feel pressurized and go into depression. Low grades, break ups, high parental expectations, weight gain, substance use, these are some of the many factors that trigger depression and are the major teen girl issues. Depression is the most common mental health problem faced by teenagers which may sometimes lead to suicide. Teenagers can’t differentiate sadness and depression. Many factors can lead to depression and the reaction of each teen is different to such things. Symptoms of major depression in teenagers Teenage sleep problems Behavioral changes Careless about physical safety Disturbed mental health Frequent health issues like headache Preoccupation with death and suicide Giving warning hints such as “I won’t be a problem for you much longer” Prolonged sad or angry mood Suddenly clearing out belongings and getting them in order Becoming suddenly cheerful without reason after being depressed Teenage pregnancy problems Pressure for Sex Teens and preteens are under tremendous pressure to experiment with sex. Researchers draw a direct link between teenage sexual activity, depression, and an increased risk of attempted suicide. Sexually active girls are more than three times more likely to be depressed than are girls who are not sexually active.   Fragmented Families  Whether children are living with one or two parents, many feel alienated from their parents at the very times they need them most. HOW TO PREPARE FOR A GLORIOUS FUTURE Always be yourself Being yourself makes you more comfortable and builds confidence in your heart and soul. Don’t forget to always be yourself. Do your best in school School sets you up on the right track! No matter how boring it is now, education will help you be a productive member in society. Strive for excellence in school; try your best, listen to the teachers, do your homework, study, and get good grades. Doing so will help you get into a better college/university, which will enable you to get a great job in the future. Be aware before doing anything new Many people regret for the terrible mistakes they have done but at once it was what they exactly wanted. So, always be aware before doing anything new to yourself. Do what you love Do experiment and discover new things. Adopt a hobby; reading, writing, sewing, singing, dancing, playing a sport, making pottery, etc. It will pass time and help you develop your personality. Never take drugs Keep in mind; No drugs ever, they lead towards death. People who have tried them are now dead such as Amy Winehouse and Whitney Houston and many other. If you can avoid these things during your teen years, they’re a lot easier to avoid once you’re out of high school and away from peer pressure. Draw your future Life is full of amazing things to do and learn about. Start from one single step to reach your goal. Start thinking about careers you would like to be in, but make a good choice based on your

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SOME BUSINESS IDEAS FOR YOUNG SCHOOL LEAVERS PREMEABLE BY BAR. DICKSON IKHANE

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SOME BUSINESS IDEAS FOR YOUNG SCHOOL LEAVERS PREMEABLE BY BAR. DICKSON IKHANE Each of us carries the candlestick of success within us, but we only get it lit by some habits which must be cultivated over time and among which hard work is salient. In order not to have a hard life, one must work hard. Laziness tends to poverty. To amount to failure in life, just sit and do nothing. Besides being industrious, one needs planning. Planning is crucial to success and it refers to putting in place measures that help you reach where you are going. To succeed, espouse the virtue of diligence and careful planning. Any great enterprise is the result of right planning, it isn’t accident. Also in the success story is the topic of discipline. Anyone whose dreams and desires success must be disciplined. This calls for you to deny yourself some present pleasure in order to lay hold on future gain. Some key areas you need discipline in order to succeed are your thought, speech, time, money, appetite and relationships both with peers and opposite sex. Show strong determination to succeed – more than ever before be determined in life to succeed. Determination is a strong desire to achieve something, to realize some set goals. It means having your mind firmly made up on the pursuit of your dream and in reaching your goal. Life’s success stories are a cumulative of small steps taken over time. Plan is like a seed planted which passes through three main stages. First is the blade stage, at which point there is nothing to celebrate in terms of dividend since the tender blade is at the mercy of lots of dangers that can stifle its growth. The ear phase is second, at which point there is great hope and encouragement since it is just a little while before the joy of harvest comes. Coming finally is the corn stage which is the fruition, the season of harvest. Every plan of man undergoes this process, and time is what separates sowing from reaping. To make this work, cultivate patience. Patience is a key ingredient in the success meal. Endure hard times; he that will eat the kernel must crack the nut. Success in life isn’t casual or by accident; it is purposeful.  HOW TO START A UNIQUE BARBING SALON BUSINESS Starting a barbing salon business is definitely one business idea that you have to consider. It is not only lucrative but fun and entertaining. When a banker resigns from the banking industry to set up a barbershop, he is either crazy or knows something that most people don’t. That was the case for Bruno Oaikhinan, the founder, and CEO of Bruno’s place (one of the top 5 hair salons in Lagos Nigeria). After taking a look at other lucrative business ideas including commercial cleaning business, Laundry and dry cleaning business, bread bakery business, cooking gas distribution business, computer business center, and farming business ideas, starting your own barbing salon business is totally worth the while. Luckily, a good barber shop will always attract new customers, even in a recession. Human hair will not stop growing just because the economy isn’t. The average man cares about his look and visits the barbershop every week, parting with between N200 and N5000 as service cost, thereby spending between N800 and N20,000 in a month. Therefore, we can safely assume that a barbershop with an average of 100 customers per month, can earn between N80,000 and N500,000 every month. There are other highly recommended small business ideas for men, but we will be considering this aspect in this article. Therefore, if you’re thinking of starting your own salon business, then read along. Things You Need To Do Before Starting Your Barbing Salon ·        Get the Necessary Skills & Training You must offer your customers the best of services and there is no better way than to get the appropriate training. A six months training in hair cutting, styling, treatment, and care will go a long way to set you apart from the crowd. Much more than everyday style, you need to keep up with styles that are in vogue. Read celebrity magazines, follow renowned hair stylists on Instagram and Facebook and see what their latest offerings look like. And peradventure you employ a staff, get the best. Don’t employ rookies because you want to save cost. Protect your brand. ·        Get an Accessible Location for Your shop If you intend to attract the choicest customers, your location must speak for your business. Site your business in a clean, spacious and accessible location. Shopping malls are good locations but you can also find other wonderful locations to plant your shop. It is always good to have a parking spot for car owners. Let them know you have enough room for them. This will go a long way to affect the way people patronize your services. ·        Setup Your Shop What’s an idea without a corresponding action? Now is the time for you to purchase your equipment and other important tools to get your shop running. For starters, you will need the following: List of barbing salon equipment Rotating/ Barber Chairs Original Clippers Sterilizers Standby Generator Electronic Sterilizers/ sterilizer kits Beautiful Furniture Standing fans/ Air Conditioners Interior decorations Cover Clothes Long and wide wall mirrors Hair Products & Cosmetics (Hair creams, Hair Sprays, dyes, relaxers, conditioners, Alcohol, etc.) Head washing basin Entertainment system Waiting chairs Lightning and wiring ·        Get A License This is to avoid any form of embarrassment from anyone including government agencies and labor associations. Make sure you are registered with the appropriate authorities and bodies. ·        Offer Different Kind of Services Who said you can’t offer more than a haircut? You could spice things up with the following: Manicures & pedicures Spa & makeup services Sale of clippers, shaving sticks, shaving powders, hair creams, shampoos, hairbrushes, etc. Making game consoles available for interested players Selling magazines, perfumes, male ties, cufflinks and other male products. Haircut training services ·        Have A Unique Selling Point Barbing salon business is

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EFFECTIVE TEACHING AND CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT FOR PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS BY (MRS.) OMOLADE F. O. AKPA

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EFFECTIVE TEACHING AND CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT FOR PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS BY (MRS.) OMOLADE F. O. AKPA Who is a teacher? A teacher is a person who helps others to acquire knowledge, competences or values.  A teacher’s role may vary among cultures. Teachers may provide instruction in literacy and numeracy, craftsmanship or vocational training, the arts, religion, civics, community roles, or life skills. Formal teaching tasks include preparing lessons according to agreed curricula, giving lessons, and assessing pupil progress. A teacher’s professional duties may extend beyond formal teaching. Outside of the classroom teachers may accompany students on field trips, supervise study halls, help with the organization of school functions, and serve as supervisors for extracurricular activities. In some education systems, teachers may have responsibility for student discipline. Teaching is one of the most important jobs in the world. To make a difference in a child’s life is a huge privilege. There are many key attributes to being an effective teacher but for me some of the key attributes are effective communication and establishing good relationships, guide children’s behaviour, setting up a good environment for learning and being well organized. Who is an effective teacher? Everyone knows that when it comes to making a difference in a child’s academics and life achievements, their teachers play a large role. A teacher’s ability to relate to their students, and teach them to achieve both socially and academically contributes to how effective they are, therefore, an effective teacher is one who strives to motivate and engage all their students in learning rather than simply accepting that some students cannot be engaged and are destined to do poorly. They believe every student is capable of achieving success at school and they do all they can to find ways of making each student successful.  Tips for Effective Teaching Be specific about what you are teaching Understand who you are teaching Make clear links to the broader course/program context Identify the best ways to teach this particular content Plan the teaching sessions in detail including the resources and support you will need Communicate clearly to students Determine how effective the teaching has been and make improvements Qualities of effective teachers The ability to develop relationships with their students Patient, caring, and kind personality Knowledge of learners Dedication to teaching Engaging students in learning What is Classroom Management? Classroom management refers to the wide variety of skills and techniques that teachers use to keep students organized, orderly, focused, attentive, on task, and academically productive during a class. When classroom-management strategies are executed effectively, teachers minimize the behaviors that impede learning for both individual students and groups of students, while maximizing the behaviors that facilitate or enhance learning. Generally speaking, effective teachers tend to display strong classroom-management skills, while the hallmark of the inexperienced or less effective teacher is a disorderly classroom filled with students who are not working or paying attention. Classroom management is crucial in classrooms because it supports the proper execution of curriculum development, developing best teaching practices, and putting them into action. Classroom management can be explained as the actions and directions that teachers use to create a successful learning environment; indeed, having a positive impact on students achieving given learning requirements and goals. In an effort to ensure all students receive the best education it would seem beneficial for educator programs to spend more time and effort in ensuring educators and instructors are well versed in classroom management. Effective classroom management: Establishes and sustains an orderly environment in the classroom. Increases meaningful academic learning and facilitates social and emotional growth. Decreases negative behaviors and increases time spent academically engaged. Factors to consider when choosing a classroom management system Effective classroom management can often be the difference between a classroom that’s focused and attentive and a classroom in which students struggle to achieve their educational objectives. Teachers face a variety of choices when it comes to classroom management. While some teachers take a direct approach to managing and directing their classrooms, others focus on building a friendly, collaborative relationship with their students. What are the advantages of classroom management? Effective classroom management is extremely important for ensuring students can learn in an environment that’s free of disruption. Good classroom management is a vital component of ensuring students reach their full academic potential. When teachers can effectively control the direction and behaviour of a classroom, students are likely to achieve improved academic results. This makes an effective classroom management system essential for teachers and students alike. High quality classroom management lets teachers control the direction that their classroom takes while preventing students from causing disruptions to their peers and setting back their potential to learn. What are the challenges of classroom management? Teachers face a variety of classroom management challenges. These can include disruptive students that slow or interrupt the pace of learning and ineffective or poorly thought out management techniques that worsen student behaviour. The most effective teachers typically understand a variety of effective classroom management techniques and use the most appropriate solution to keep their class free of disruption and focused on achieving its educational goals. What should you know about classroom management? Classroom management can often be the difference between a focused classroom that achieves its educational goals and a classroom that falls behind the average in its category. As a teacher, having an understanding of classroom management and the ability to apply classroom management techniques gives you the power to keep your entire classroom focused on achieving its objectives and academically productive. Classroom management in primary schools Classroom Management: Show No Fear Children can literally smell fear from a mile away. If they enter your classroom and know that you are scared, then they will take full advantage of that fear. If you are new to the job and are feeling anxious, then go by the motto of “Fake it until you make it.” Put on a fearless face and pretend that you are not scared of anything and that you are in complete

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