GRLife
New Yam Festival: Ohaneze ABESAN Lagos Brings Igbo Community Together


The New Yam Festival the traditional culture of Igbo land was showcased on Sunday at Amen Centre, Abesan Lagos. The event which is designed to bring the igbo community together withing Abesan, Ipaja, Command, Ayobo and Shagari Estate was a huge success.
Though the maiden or the first edition, the event brought dignitaries such as the Mosan/Okunola LCDA chairperson, Eze Igbo , President General Ohaneze ndi Igbo Lagos and so many others.
Speaking during the occasion, the Chairman of Ohaneze ndi Igbo (Abesan Chapter ) Moses Nwokoro said “we believe that igbo culture shouldn’t die, we are using this opportunity to tell our children born outside igbo land what is applicable in igbo cultural setting so that they would be in tune with the cultural realities. Also we want to ensure that the language is spoken by the children . “
” Not only doing the New Yam festival, the Ohaneze Abesan Chapter can be described as more of interventionist group rather than cultural group. We intervene when are member is either in distress, trouble or harrassed. We pull resources to ensure that issues like that is sorted out. We have assisted people in accomodations challanges, medical problems or even harassment from the touts which is a daily occurrence in some parts of Lagos”, Nwokoro added.
The chairman used the opportunity to ask the igbo community who are not yet a card carrying members should endeavor to be part of the association so that they can enjoy thee benefits.
The new yam festival is away of thanking good for bountiful harvest for the year and as an association which is made up of christians majorly, they thanked God .
Many members were pleased with the outing. Speaking on this, Jude Agada, a guest said “we are very excited about this and we hope that this continues. This is the first time we have this in this area and I commend the chairman.”
Speaking in line with Jude ,Emeka Ndukwu,the secretary of the Ohaneze Abesan Chapter added”it hasn’t been easy planning this,we just had few weeks to plan this due to restriction imposed on Covid 19 which is good for our safety. We thank those that graced the occasion and those that contributed also.
Onyekachi Egwim, an executive remarked that “it is a thing of joy that we had a turn out and it’s a pure demonstration of Igbo community commitment in seeing that the Igbo culture survives. Here, we strongly believe in “Nwanne di Na Mba. All igbo are one be it from any state or political region. We also thank those that came , we appreciate the contributions and donations. “
Moses Nwokoro, the current chairman of Ohaneze Abesan Chapter, though less than a year in office can be described as energetic and focused president, poised to bring innovations and development to the association which is in line with the Secretariat at Enugu State. He believes in the concept of anything worth doing , is worth doing well and the first New yam festival is a testament to his leadership and team work abilities.
Spotlight
PRCAN Congratulates Mrs. Bolajoko Bayo-Ajayi on Her Historic Election as President of NIMN
Reporter: SANDRA ANI


The Public Relations Consultants Association of Nigeria (PRCAN) has extended its heartfelt congratulations to Mrs. Bolajoko Bayo-Ajayi on her election as the President of the National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (NIMN).
In a statement signed by Dr. Nkechi Ali-Balogun, fnipr, Chair/CEO of PRCAN, the association described Mrs. Bayo-Ajayi’s election as a landmark achievement and a significant moment in the history of the marketing and communications profession in Nigeria.
“On behalf of PRCAN, I extend our warmest congratulations to Mrs. Bolajoko Bayo-Ajayi on her historic election as the first female President of the National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria. Her emergence is not only a celebration of professional excellence but also a beacon of inspiration to practitioners across the integrated marketing communications industry,” Dr. Ali-Balogun stated.
She further noted that Mrs. Bayo-Ajayi’s distinguished career and consistent dedication to the development of the marketing profession have earned her this well-deserved recognition.
“Her leadership comes at a critical time in Nigeria’s evolving marketing and communications landscape. We are confident that NIMN will continue to thrive under her visionary guidance, championing innovation, professionalism, gender inclusion, and sustainable growth in the sector,” she added.
PRCAN expressed optimism about strengthening institutional collaborations between NIMN and PRCAN to advance professional development and capacity building in Nigeria’s integrated marketing communications ecosystem.
“We look forward to deeper synergy between our two organisations as we collectively strive to elevate standards, empower practitioners, and shape the future of our industry,” the statement concluded.
PRCAN once again congratulates Mrs. Bayo-Ajayi on this outstanding achievement and wishes her a successful and impactful tenure.
Spotlight
Obasanjo, Christ Embassy, and Eminent Nigerians Honour Pastor Sylvester Ebhodaghe at 50
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo and top dignitaries celebrate media leader and minister at milestone birthday thanksgiving, reports SANDRA ANI


A constellation of national leaders, spiritual luminaries, and prominent Nigerians gathered on Thursday to honour Pastor Sylvester Ebhodaghe—publisher of National Daily Newspaper and National Standard Magazine—as he marked his 50th birthday with a grand Thanksgiving Service and Banquet at Christ Embassy, Isheri, along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
Among the high-profile attendees was former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, who lauded Pastor Ebhodaghe for his steadfast commitment to God and his enduring service to humanity. In a heartfelt goodwill message, Obasanjo commended the celebrant’s journey of faith and purpose.
“An occasion like this is not just for celebration, but for deep gratitude to God. Fifty years and nine months, counting from your mother’s womb, is no small milestone,” Obasanjo said. Reflecting on life beyond the golden jubilee, he added, “After 50 glorious years of grace and divine favour, the next chapter must be about even greater service—to God, and through that, to humanity. I pray you enjoy another half-century of impactful living.”
In a touching conclusion, the former president remarked, “When you celebrate your next 50 years, I may no longer be here. But wherever I am, I will be remembering you.”
A Celebration of Faith, Leadership, and Impact
The thanksgiving event drew key figures from the religious, political, business, and media spheres, creating a vibrant atmosphere of unity and reverence. The service was hosted by Christ Embassy and officiated by prominent ministers, who welcomed attendees and led the formal proceedings.
Most Reverend Tom Amenkhienan, a senior member of the Loveworld Central Executive Council, offered an anointed prayer for Pastor Ebhodaghe and his family, declaring blessings of divine health, spiritual elevation, and unstoppable progress. “Your going and your coming shall be blessed. No weapon formed against you shall prosper,” he prayed.
Delivering the sermon, Pastor Moses Olayemi of Christ Embassy Benin Zone 1 drew from Psalms 1 and 4 to illustrate the celebrant’s life as one rooted in godliness and integrity. “You can see from the calibre of individuals present today that Pastor Sylvester is a man who walks with God,” he said. He encouraged attendees to examine their spiritual walk, drawing on the biblical example of Cornelius, who despite his righteousness, sought spiritual renewal.
A Life Transformed by Calling
In an emotional vote of thanks, Pastor Sylvester Ebhodaghe paid special tribute to Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, President, Loveworld Incorporated, crediting him with a life-changing spiritual encounter.
“Twenty-seven years ago, I turned on the television and saw Pastor Chris preaching. I heard a voice say, ‘Your destiny is connected to his ministry.’ That moment changed the course of my life,” he shared, visibly moved.
Pastor Ebhodaghe also thanked his family, friends, colleagues, and fellow ministers for their unwavering support and encouragement over the decades.


Guest List
The celebratory banquet saw an impressive turnout of distinguished personalities from across various sectors. Alongside Chief Obasanjo were:
Otunba Oyewole Fasawe, businessman and political figure
Sir Dr. Mike Okiro, former Inspector General of Police
Dr. Ernest Ndukwe, Chairman, MTN Nigeria Communications Plc
Prince Bisi Olatilo, Chairman, Biscon Communications Group
Dr. Uche Ogah, President, Masters Energy Group
Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan, Director, Lagos State Security Trust Fund
Mr. Oladimeji Oresanya, Ogun State Commissioner for Environment
Dr. Tola Salah, Special Adviser on STEM to the Kwara State
Entertainment
Elie Kamano’s Anthem Amplifies Pan-African Reparations Call with Striking New Music Video


Guinean artist and activist Elie Kamano has released a powerful new music video for his single, “Ils veulent l’Afrique sans les Africains” (“They Want Africa Without Africans”), delivering a bold artistic statement that fuses political resistance, cultural memory, and Pan-African solidarity.
Filmed on the sacred grounds of the Thiaroye mass graves in Dakar, the video honors victims of one of colonialism’s most heinous massacres. Kamano’s visual tribute transforms the site into a defiant stage, linking Africa’s historical trauma to the modern reparations movement. With raw lyricism and symbolic imagery, the video makes a clear demand: “Africa will reclaim what Europe stole.”
The release arrives at a pivotal moment. The African Union has declared 2025 as the Year of Reparations, providing institutional momentum to cultural and civic efforts across the continent. In Dakar, a recent high-profile conference reignited demands for justice surrounding the Thiaroye massacre, leading Senegalese authorities to launch archaeological excavations to document the scope of the 1944 French military crime—evidence that may substantiate formal reparations claims to France.
The reparations conversation has visibly moved to the streets. Dakar’s walls now feature bold graffiti murals demanding €50 trillion in reparations from former colonial powers—vivid calls for justice that cannot be ignored. In Bamako, Malian scholars and policymakers echo the urgency, calling for strategic frameworks that link historical redress with sustainable African futures.
Kamano’s work stands at the intersection of music and movement—galvanizing Pan-African youth, scholars, and policymakers alike. His anthem doesn’t just commemorate the past—it ignites the future.
“This is not just a song,” says Kamano. “It’s a voice for the voiceless. A call for dignity. A battle cry for what is rightfully ours.”
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