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Anambra Traditionalist Attributes Nigeria’s Misfortunes To Neglect Of Traditional Religion
The Supreme Leader of the Traditional Practitioners Association of Nigeria, Native Dr Chukwuma Ezeruonye, has insisted that Nigeria’s fortunes have continued to dwindle due to the neglect of traditional religion and institutions.
Subsequently, Ezeruonye urged the citizens to embrace traditional practices, insisting that doing that is the only way for the country to come out of the predicament it is currently going through.
He averred that insecurity and crimes, such as kidnapping, corruption, killings, youth restiveness, as well as civil unrest, are on the increase because the people abandoned their culture.
The traditionalist, who is also the CEO of Debigrich Group Limited, an agricultural firm, stated this over the weekend during the 2024 ‘Igba Oruru Eke’ annual cultural festival in Ekwulobia, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State.
Speaking to South-East PUNCH, Ezeruonye contended that apart from the fact that the people distanced themselves from crime-related issues, the traditional practice is also part of retaining the cultural values of the people’s ancestors.
He said, “During the time of our forefathers, they did not engage in crimes like armed robbery, kidnappings, cultism, rituals, murder, 419, among others and that was why they lived a happy long life, but since the white missionaries imposed their religion on us, we have never known peace again.
“In those good old days, our forefathers lived clean lives devoid of greed, envy and malice, using our traditional practice as their bedrock, but today, the reverse is the case, as we have now sunk into the borrowed foreign religion and we are all feeling the pains.
“Nigerians need to go back to their roots and embrace their traditional practice as the only way to change the narrative in terms of repositioning this country’s economy and at the same time rescue our youths from the clutches of destruction.
“Today, we are celebrating our festival called ‘Oruru Eke Ekwulobia,’ which is the idol uniting the whole of Ekwulobia. It is being celebrated today and as a traditionalist and supreme leader, I have to be present, because I am just like the Bishop of the customs today. So, I am supposed to be here.
“The impact of this festival is enormous because this is how our forefathers started it. The calamity and confusion facing Nigeria, especially the South-East region today is because the people have neglected traditional religion. We neglected tradition and tradition is now dealing with us. That is why there are calamities and confusion everywhere in the country.
“Nothing is working. The rich are crying, the poor are also crying, insecurity and so on. In the olden days, it was a matter of consulting the chief priest and asking him what is the cause of the calamity in the land. When discovered, it will be appeased and there will be peace.
“But, now, because we have embraced the white man’s religion, nobody consults the gods of the land anymore and that is why the gods are dealing with us. For us, as traditionalists, we are going back to the roots to restore what our forefathers used to be, who they were. So, it’s just like we are trying to revive and make tradition what it used to be and not evil.
“I was practising the other religion, which the white men brainwashed us with and nothing was working, until I had a call to return to traditional religion, I embraced it and I am now very comfortable.
“The white men brainwashed us with their religion since they stepped their feet into Africa and we embraced their religion and are practising it more than them, while they still maintain their traditional practices and religion. Countries like China, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Korea, and even Europe, adore their traditional practices and are doing well, while we abandoned our own, saying it is evil, no, our tradition is not evil. But some years back, Nigeria was far much better than these countries, why was it so, our forefathers were doing the right thing, but instead of us to continue and improve on it, we abandoned it and now it is dealing with us.
Everywhere you go in the country, our people are practising the other religion, which is the white man culture, yet the country is not moving forward, nothing is working. We always praise the last government, when Muhammadu Buhari was ruling, Nigerians were praising Goodluck Jonathan to come back, now President Bola Tinubu is ruling, and they are praising Buhari to come back.
“If we don’t go back to our African tradition, we will remain under the spell of the white man’s religion and the economic hardship, security problems and leadership crisis will continue to worsen, even from one Nigeria’s President to another, since we embrace the white man religion, no President has ever been better than the last.”
He averred that traditional religion is not about rituals, as erroneously held by the people, insisting that such an impression is been fuelled by other denominations to scare the people away.
dded, “It’s not true, tradition is not all about evil, rituals or bad juju. It is a way of life that made our forefathers what they were. They were all saints because they avoided evil. Traditional religion doesn’t tolerate anything evil, whether they believe it or not. It will deal with whoever is involved even if it is the chief priest.
“Every community and every state, even the country has its own ‘god’ that should be appeased and once they are appeased, calamity will never befall the land. The whole of Nigeria is in distress today because the people have neglected the gods of their lands.
“Even those from other denominations believe in our gods, they are our largest population of worshippers. Many pastors disguised themselves and came to worship with us because they knew the importance of doing so. But they will go and condemn traditional practices before their congregation, giving them the impression that tradition is evil. But now, we are coming out boldly to tell them that we are not ‘evil’, we are highly comfortable, even if a litre of fuel is sold for N10,000 today, all my vehicles will still be on the road. We are not suffering.”
Earlier, the Chief Host of the occasion, Dr Chinedu Ezeameta, said tradition plays protective roles and influences human dignity right from the ages, insisting that no sensible person abandons his tradition.
“Igba Oruru Eke’ festival of Ekwulobia, which I am the chief priest is a very significant festival and is done once a year and whenever it’s been done, everyone is informed, custodians of customs and traditions must be present during the festival. What it signifies is that inhabitants of Ekwulobia offer sacrifice to the spirit of ‘Oruru Eke’ because ‘Oruru Eke’ is the highest spirit Ekwulobia has.
“It signifies good deeds. It helps people. Anyone looking for the fruit of the womb, if such asks, the spirit grants it unto such. Anyone looking for money and asking the spirit will receive money in return. So, the good deeds it does to the community are numerous. All these cattles and rams are proceeds from the beneficiaries. That is the impact it has.
“We have a kindred that worships it. If the worshipper dies, the kindred will ask a soothsay to produce the next and the worshipper must come from the kindred. That’s how it is in the whole of Ekwulobia. We urged Igbo youths to go back to the cultural practices bequeathed to them by their ancestors so that our land will be healed once again.”
Various dignitaries from across the state, who were in attendance at the festival which took place at the Osoenigwe Square, Ezinano Umuowelle village, Ekwulobia, paid tribute and urged the people to go back to tradition.
The Federal Government has announced 150 as the minimum cut-off mark for admission into universities and nursing schools across the country.
The decision was reached during the policy meeting on admissions organized by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) with stakeholders in the education sector.
According to the government, candidates seeking admission into universities and nursing institutions are expected to score at least 150 in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) to qualify for consideration.
The meeting also reviewed admission guidelines for polytechnics, colleges of education, and other tertiary institutions as part of efforts to maintain standards in the nation’s education system.
Stakeholders at the meeting urged institutions to ensure transparency and fairness in their admission processes while advising candidates to strictly adhere to admission requirements.
Rt. Hon. Barr. Sunday Cyriacus Umeha has continued to distinguish himself not only as a grassroots politician but as a sound parliamentarian who clearly understands the true essence of legislative representation and public service.
Since emerging as the Member representing Ezeagu/Udi Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Umeha has consistently demonstrated capacity, vision, and commitment both on the floor of the National Assembly and within his constituency.
Unlike many politicians whose promises disappear after elections, Rt. Hon. Umeha has steadily transformed his campaign mantra, “Go and Verify,” into practical realities visible across communities in Ezeagu and Udi Federal Constituency.
From road construction to solar-powered streetlights, classroom projects, healthcare interventions, agricultural empowerment, scholarships, boreholes, and youth development programmes, his stewardship has remained rooted in service delivery and measurable impact.
Observers say one of the strongest qualities that separates Umeha from many lawmakers is his deep understanding of parliamentary responsibilities. Through strategic bills and motions, he has continued to show that representation goes beyond rhetoric and political appearances.
Among several notable legislative efforts, he sponsored bills seeking the establishment of a Federal College of Entrepreneurship and Skill Acquisition in Ezeagu/Udi Federal Constituency, reforms in the education sector through the abolition of levies in public basic schools, mandatory insurance protection for NYSC members, and the establishment of a National Football Academy.
He also sponsored motions addressing critical national concerns, including the investigation into the gruesome killing of Nigerians by soldiers in Enugu State and the urgent completion of the Karshi/Apo Road project in Abuja to ease traffic congestion.
Political analysts note that these interventions reflect a lawmaker who understands that effective representation must combine constituency development with strong legislative advocacy.
Many constituents equally commend him for remaining faithful to the promises he made during his campaigns. Across the constituency, residents point to completed and ongoing projects as evidence that the lawmaker has not reneged on his commitments to the people.
Beyond governance and legislative duties, Rt. Hon. Umeha also played significant roles in efforts aimed at restoring sanity, stability, and internal cohesion within the Labour Party before his eventual defection to the APC.
Sources within the political space in Enugu State revealed that Umeha consistently pushed for peace, unity, and institutional order within the party during periods of internal crisis and leadership disagreements. His interventions were said to be driven by the desire to protect the interests of party members and preserve the integrity of the platform.
However, following prolonged internal challenges and unresolved structural issues within the Labour Party, the federal lawmaker eventually moved to the All Progressives Congress (APC), a decision many political observers described as strategic and inevitable.
Despite the political transition, supporters insist that his focus has remained unchanged — delivering quality representation, empowering constituents, and sustaining developmental projects across Ezeagu/Udi Federal Constituency.
For many residents, Rt. Hon. Barr. Sunday Cyriacus Umeha represents a rare blend of grassroots leadership, legislative competence, humility, and political responsibility.
And across the constituency, the verdict from many communities remains simple:
“He promised, and he delivered.”
Today, Friday 8 May 2026, Chief Sir Paul Chukwuma (Onwa Umueri) laid his beloved sister, Late Mrs Christiana Amaka Okeke to rest in a solemn but dignified ceremony.
A large number of family and friends gathered in Ogboji in Orumba South Local Government Area for her burial.
It was a solemn yet beautiful celebration of a life well lived, one marked by grace, resilience, and strong family values. The Funeral Mass was officiated by His Emience, Cardinal Peter Ebere Okpalaeke, The Catholic Bishop of Ekwulobia Diocese.
In a heartfelt family tribute, Chief Sir Paul Chukwuma shared that her sister “it is indeed well with your soul and has gone to rest with the Lord,” expressing profound grief over the irreplaceable loss of a beloved sibling who played a significant role in their family. He prayed for God to grant her His mercy and reward her with Beatic Vision. He opined that they as a family will continue from where she stopped. Our Hope in God and Believe in the resurrection of the dead and communion of the saints will spur them on as they continue to place all their hopes in God who made Heaven and Earth.
The Funeral and Burial Ceremony was graced by notable dignitaries including Her Excellency Senator Dr Iyom Uche Ekwunife, APC State Chairman, Most Distinguished Senator Emma Anosike, Chief Uzoma Igbonwa (Okeife Alor), YPP Deputy Governorship Candidate 2025 Governorship Election, His Excellency, Chief Uzu Okagbue, Former Nigeria Ambassador to Burundi, His Excellency, Ambassador Elijah Onyeagba (Ozonkpu Ike Enuguwu-Ukwu N’Umunri, Dr Oby Orah, Executive Director FAAN, Prof Charles Esimone, Former Vice Chancellor Unizik, Chief Hon Raph Okeke, Barr CJ Chinwuba, Hon Chizo Obidigwe, Hon JC Okeke (Deputy Chairman ,APC Anambra State, chief Anthony Obiazie (Ichie Ide), Onwa Lento Aluminium.
Others are The Vice Chancellor of Benue State University and Members of the Governing Council, the Rector Anambra State Polytechnic,Dr Njideka Rita Chiekezie, Hon Obi Henry APC State secretary, Hon Ify Nwachukwu (Ada Onowu), Prof Jaja Nwanegbo, and several other respected leaders from the political, traditional, and religious communities.
Late Mrs Christiana Amaka Okeke died after Major Brain Tumour Surgery in Germany, aged 44 years. May the soul of Late Mrs Christiana Amaka Okeke rest in perfect peace, and may God grant the entire Chukwuma of Umueri and Okeke family of Ogboji, the strength and comfort to bear this irreparable loss.
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*(C) Paschal Candle.*
By Okey Maduforo Awka
Gubernatorial candidate Mr John Nwosu and running mate of the African Democratic Congress ADC in Anambra state Chief Ndubuisi Nwobu have stated that despite the deoature of Mr Peter Obi, and Alhaji Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso,the party is still intact and would run it’s full course in the 2027 general election.
The duo however lamented that the deoature of Obi is indeed painful but was quick to add that the party must forge ahead .
He said as leaders, Obi and Kwankwaso and other key chieftains of the ADC who suddenly left to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) would have waited to resolve the problems the ADC is facing when it mattered most rather than taking a swift to another fold.
Chief Nwobu bared his mind and feelings of other stakeholders of the ADC while briefing newsmen shortly after the ADC Anambra Leadership Consultative Meeting held on Friday in Awka the state capital.
He noted with nostalgia that the candidate of the Labour Party (LP) during the 2023 general elections, Mr. Peter Obi could have shown restraint and commitment in the ADC even in face of the party’s plethora of litigations pending before different courts than leaving it unceremoniously with others.
He vowed that despite the development, leaders and members of the State chapter of the ADC are resolute to take the full circle of the electoral battle ahead of next year’s general elections and would get to it to successfully.
Accorisng to him, the National leadership of the party was not given the opportunity to settle down even less than 24 hours before the supreme Court judgment on Thursday last week when news about the detection of those who left the party rented the air waves up till Friday and Saturday same week and finally on Sunday when the news was finally blown to the entire world.
Nwobu disclosed that the opposition ADC in the state at the moment parades about nine House of Representatives and six State House of Assembly aspirants who have bought nomination forms to contest the 2027 elections while more have indicated interest to join the epical race.
The ADC stalwart further maintained that all those who indicated interest to contest the various positions are greatly prepared to run the race with high morals.
“We feel pains that these people left the party (ADC); definitely it’s going to affect the gains of the party. There’s no point saying every other thing. That having been said I am telling you that those who remain in the party are resolute and prepared to run the course.
He said the ADC Anambra Leadership Consultative Meeting reaffirm loyalty and support to the National leadership under David Mark as national chairman and Rauf Aregbesola as the National Secretary.
Nwobu who was flanked by Hon. Christian Okeke, Ven. Chris Orajekwe and Arch. Afam Moma, Samuel Ikefuna, and Reginald Akunekwe and Ben Chuks Nwosu said “the state leaders reaffirm loyalty and support of the ADC Anambra state to the National leadership headed by Senator David Mark and His Excellency Rauf Aregbesola.”
“The meeting resolved to commend the founding chairman of the ADC Chief Ralph Okey Nwosu for the exemplary show of representing the ADC platform as an umbrella body for the coalition and his selfless role In navigating the coalition to it’s fruition.”
“And we wish to affirm that the ADC’s best is from Anambra state and Anambra state will not be found wanting in the efforts of the party to achieve success during the 2027 general elections,” he said.
“For our brothers who has moved on tp other platform, we wish them well. I look forward to a day we will all join hands together to salvage this country,” Nwobu stated.
He explained further that no new leadership has been Inaugurated in Anambra,adding that that it’s unnecessary for somebody to say he or she has resigned as the party is still contending on issues of offices, conduct of Congresses at the Federal High court.
Chief Nwobu stated that the Inauguration of officials elected at Congresses across the states would be made on the 11th of this month.
By Chinedu Sabastine
The Enugu State Government, in partnership with the South Sahara Social Development Organisation (SSDO), has intensified efforts to strengthen domestic resource mobilisation (DRM) as part of broader strategies to boost climate finance and promote responsive budgeting.
The initiative aligns with the administration’s climate policy framework, which emphasises sustainable development, a green economic transition, and improved fiscal planning.
This was disclosed during a two-day stakeholders’ dialogue on domestic resource mobilisation for climate-responsive budgeting held at Sylvia Hotel, Independence Layout, Enugu and funded by ActionAid Nigeria.
Speaking at the event, the Deputy Director of Climate Change in the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Nnamdi Arum, said the state has integrated climate considerations across its projects and programmes.
According to him, while Enugu continues to benefit from international funding support, deliberate steps are being taken to strengthen internally generated resources for climate initiatives.
“Climate change has been prioritised across ministries in Enugu State. Most projects are now designed with green considerations in mind,” Arum said.
He commended Governor Peter Mbah for appointing Prof. Chukwumerije Okereke as Special Adviser on Climate Change, noting that his leadership has helped translate climate policies into actionable programmes.
Arum added that the government is actively engaging diverse groups, including youths and persons with disabilities, to ensure inclusive climate policy development.
On funding gaps, he acknowledged that despite progress, external support remains crucial particularly in the agricultural sector to enhance food security and affordability.
In his remarks, Research Policy Officer with SSDO, Okechukwu Ajah, said the dialogue aimed to bridge the gap between policy formulation and implementation.
He noted that although Enugu has domesticated its climate policy and action plan, challenges such as weak inter-ministerial coordination and the absence of clear climate budget tagging persist.
“Many agencies still operate in silos, and there is no distinct climate imprint in budgeting across ministries. This affects ownership and effective implementation of climate policies,” Ajah said.
He expressed optimism that the engagement would yield practical, implementable recommendations, stressing the need to move from theory to action.
Ajah also highlighted the importance of youth inclusion in climate discussions, describing young people as critical stakeholders in shaping sustainable futures.
One of the participants, Chidera Ekoh, described the dialogue as insightful, noting that it provided practical knowledge on addressing climate challenges.
“Climate change is already impacting our economy. This programme has equipped us with the knowledge to prioritise challenges and mobilise resources effectively,” Ekoh said
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