The Oko Community in Orumba North Local Government Area (LGA) of Anambra State has finalised arrangements for the official burial and final rites of passage for its traditional ruler, Onowu Oko, Ichie Martin Ezeosim, on Thursday, next week.

The demise of late Onowu was jointly announced by His Royal Highness, Igwe Prof. Laz Ekwueme, Eze Ijikala II and his cabinet; the Oko People’s Union, (OPU); and the family who have fixed his burial for October 9, 2025.

The late Onowu  Oko – the traditional Prime Minister, who is the second in Command to Igwe of Oko, died at the age of 78, with a string of remarkable contributions to the development of the community. 

A statement signed by Chief (Sir) Reuben Muoka, chairman, Publicity Sub-Committee, Onowu Oko Burial Committee indicates that the funeral rites for a befitting burial of Onowu Oko have been set for the Alex Ekwueme Civic Centre, Oko, after a Christian burial ceremony in his country home in Eziabo Village in Oko.

A committee for the official burial of the late Onowu, led by a member of the Oko Council of Chiefs, Chief Larry Iloh, and other prominent members from all segments of the Oko community, have been set up to oversee a very befitting ceremony that will involve the participation of government officials, the entire Oko community and their friends.

Prof. Ekwueme, who condoled with the entire community, expressed deep sorrow at the loss of an illustrious, reliable and hardworking community leader who contributed immensely in many facets of the community’s development and leadership, urged the committee to ensure that the community hosts befitting rites for the late traditional prime minister.

The President of OPU, Nze Sunday Nwafor, also paid glowing tributes to the late Onowu, whose life, he said, replicated a very simple life of a Christian, with a personae, bravery and carriage that are worthy of emulation in the community.

In his message, Chairman of Onowu Oko Burial Committee, Chief Iloh, said the community, on behalf of Oko community, owes a lot of gratitude to the late Onowu, whose contributions are invaluable.

He promised that the committee will leave no stone unturned to ensure that Oko sons, daughters, and friends of the community, turn up to pay their last respects to the late leader.

Margarita Festival Africa (MFAF), West Africa’s first and biggest margarita and tequila-inspired funfair, is set to return on November 30, 2025.

The 2025 edition marks a historic milestone — the 10th edition across three nations and the 6th in Lagos, positioning MFAF as one of the most anticipated cultural festivals.

Since its inception, MFAF has grown beyond cocktails to become a cultural hub for food, music, arts, and lifestyle, spotlighting Latin-inspired experiences while celebrating African creativity. Over the years, it has expanded from Lagos to Abuja, Accra, and Abidjan, while also hosting special editions like Margarita Day (2022 & 2025) and Cinco de Mayo (2022).

This year’s edition promises an even more immersive experience, featuring:

• Over 15 Margarita flavours and a tequila exhibition with global and local brands.
• A marketplace with food, arts, crafts, and keepsakes.
• Live music, circus acts, cultural performances, and the highly anticipated Margalympics cocktail competition.
• An expanded Lime Folk community, creating year-round engagement with cocktail and culture enthusiasts.

The Margalympics, now a signature pre-festival competition, will spotlight the best margarita makers across Lagos. Judges will tour nominated bars and restaurants in the weeks leading up to the festival, with the grand finale taking place live on the festival stage.

Attendees will have the chance to taste and vote for their favorites, making it an exciting celebration of creativity, craftsmanship, and community.

Speaking on the festival’s evolution, Wendz Connoisseur, Founder & Convener of Margarita Festival Africa, said:

“What began as a dream to celebrate the margarita cocktail has become a thriving cultural movement that unites people across nations. Margarita Festival Africa is more than an event — it is a community, a celebration of culture, and a testament to how cocktails can bring people together. As we celebrate our 10th edition, we are excited to showcase the magic of Lagos while reinforcing Nigeria’s place as a cultural and tourism hub in Africa.”

The 2025 edition is expected to draw over 1,500 attendees, including cocktail enthusiasts, foodies, cultural adventurers, and tourists. Beyond entertainment, the festival also carries a strong CSR mandate, including initiatives such as providing back-to-school kits for children of hospitality workers and supporting bartender grants through the LimeFolk Initiative.

Tickets will are available and can be purchased via the official website: www.margaritafestaf.com

The Olubadan-designate, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has lauded Technology Company, Globacom as a source of national pride, emphasizing the need for collective support to ensure the company’s continued success.

During a courtesy visit by Globacom’s Enterprise Sales team, Oba Ladoja acknowledged the telecom giant’s transformative impact on Nigeria’s telecommunications landscape. He noted that Globacom’s intervention brought relief from exorbitant charges imposed by earlier operators.

The monarch expressed gratitude for Globacom’s contributions and prayed for the well-being of its Chairman, Dr. Mike Adenuga, jn

He also looked forward to the company’s support during his upcoming coronation and reign.

Speaking at the event, Head of Globacom’s Enterprise Sales, Mr. Adeniyi Odejobi congratulated Oba Ladoja and conveyed the warmest regards from the company’s Board and Management to the monarch, who is scheduled to receive his staff of office on Friday, September 26, 2025.

According to him, “Globacom will support your office, and we will ensure that your telecommunications needs are fulfilled”.