ARISE IGALA Magazine

23/07/2025

FORWARDED AS RECEIVED: DESTROYING AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE...

By Onoja J. Okpanachi

The viral video came through last night and within the first hour it gained hundreds of shares on Facebook. On WhatsApp, it was reading "forwarded many times" just within the same hour, meaning it has been shared multiple times that it has reached the peak where any other sender can't send same content to more than a contact at once. That was how viral the video went and so was the tension amongst many.

Blood pumped very high and confusion rocked across as many were trying to reach their loved once at the Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba. If you heard later that some went into bad states or even worse, don't doubt it. That news was capable of doing unimaginable damages given the visuals and some of the voice notes that followed.

Painfully, the news turned out to be false; a creation of someone or some people's imagination. As it was spreading pain, fear and terror, the "content" was gaining tractions - multiple views, shares and comments et al. This is the reality of today. We have come to that point that everyone is more concerned about the virtual followers than the real people around them. Today, someone can be gasping for breath, struggling to survive a dangerous situation and I bet you if there are ten persons close by, eight or nine will be recording the moment instead of rescuing the dying soul. Yes, we have come to that point. Tragic as it may sound, it's our reality today.

Before you press that share or forward button, do you care to know the authenticity of that information and what the implications may be on the receivers? Well, you may simply excuse yourself that you just "forwarded as received" and move on. No, you're just helping in prosecuting someone's objective, good or bad. But, most times the objectives are bad. You do this often unintentional but because of your carelessness, you have become a useful tool in the hands of some destroyers.

Well, the danger in what happened at Anyigba last night is that there would be tension for a very long time. A path has been shown to the evil ones to try their luck seeing what happened last night in that viral video. Unfortunately, it was only that video that went viral as the bad news spread. I am yet to see other videos - the recorder was somewhere up definitely and maybe in a safe place - can the authority do some jobs and find out more? Their findings would help a lot and could keep the school safe.

Once again, is there any lesson for the fastest fingers and lovers of breaking news? At least, pause a minute and ask fundamental questions before pressing those buttons. Outside those buttons, you can really help better if you have vital information by strategically sharing them with relevant persons and authority. They will help in more smarter ways instead of creating panic where at the end you may not be helping the "victims" but complicating their situations.

It's good to share but be sure you're not being remotely used by someone who is aiming to achieve something you don't even know. Always ask basic questions, be convinced before you push those buttons.

ARISE!

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ARISE IGALA Magazine
African Report files
Kogi State Government
Daily Trust
Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo
Guardian Nigeria
Daily Times Nigeria
New York Daily News
Channels Television
AIT Online
Tvcnewsng

20/07/2025

OKURA STATE CREATION VS THE VIRAL NEWS: NO LESSON LEARNT FROM THE PAST

(IT'S A SETUP)

By Onoja J. Okpanachi

The times are certainly different from what they used to be—wars are no longer necessarily physical. These days, they are fought in many ways, largely with the aid of technology.

The most painful aspect of today's reality is when you're being attacked from a distance using you to fight yourself, without your knowledge. Thanks to social media, war patterns are shifting, and political battles have taken on new dimensions. Still, many remain unaware of this reality, continually falling victim to the highly manipulative tendencies and great influence of social media.

Please, understand that the "share" and "forward" buttons can either make or mar a people, a project, or even a nation—especially when you are not critical or careful before clicking them. Not everything flying around on social media is real; therefore, fact-checking and verification must become second nature to us if we must share or forward any information, regardless of its source or how real or relevant it may appear. It’s not a crime if you don’t share or forward—avoid spreading what you don’t fully understand so you don't become an agent of manipulation in the hands of unknown assailants.

Coming back home to this development, the spread of false information is hurting us deeply as a nation. Let me remind you of the events leading up to the Kogi gubernatorial election of 2023—this period stands out as a clear example. Do you remember those voice notes that circulated on social media (especially on WhatsApp)? They weren’t coincidences. Events have since proven my earlier opinion to be correct: that some forces were intentionally crafting those messages just to distract the Igala nation and the larger society by feeding them content that merely sounded pleasant. When those messages turned out to be false, the people were left weakened and frustrated. Efforts to redirect public attention to the real issues back then were unsuccessful, and many even accused me of not supporting "the people's cause."

Do you remember how those voice notes falsely claimed that then-Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello had been flown from Obajana in a critical health condition? And then, suddenly, the same governor would appear at a public event dancing—rubbing it in the faces of those who had believed the lies, proving he was well and strong? Do you remember all those dramas? Do you remember how those frustrations dampened the morale of many? The battlegrounds have shifted now, and unless we realize this in good time, we will continue to suffer emotional and psychological defeats.

So, when the initial news broke about the creation of 12 new states, the details were vague. But within a few days, the storyline became more fortified—so much so that even some “reputable” online media platforms fell for it. Painful reality. Eventually, many influential people also bought into the narrative. This was clearly a setup. The orchestrators intended to pitch the people against the system, to frustrate the movement, or to spark unnecessary agitations that could halt the process. You can already see some counter-agitations emerging from different quarters—that’s the game plan. And unfortunately, we keep falling for it because we're always too eager to push those buttons, just to be among the "news breakers." It's not necessary. Fact-check. Verify. Only then should you consider clicking those buttons.

This trend is not going away anytime soon. In fact, expect even more complicated scenarios with the growing use of AI. There will come a time when distinguishing between real and fake videos will be extremely difficult. Therefore, future political engagement and other aspects of our lives will become increasingly tech-intensive.

For the Igala nation and Kogi State in general, some of my thoughts documented in my book 'Maybe I Was Wrong' reflect the current realities we face. Above all, the most valuable battleground we must protect—against all odds—is our mind. Don’t let it be corrupted. Don’t let everything settle there unfiltered. We must consciously sift what we allow in, as we are entering a new phase of reality in today’s world.

ARISE!

-
ARISE IGALA Magazine
African Report files
Daily Trust
Guardian Nigeria
New York Daily News
Daily Times Nigeria
Channels Television
AIT Online
Tvcnewsng

20/07/2025

This SMILE will remain your portion all the days of your life here on earth as you put humanity first in your pursuits - Amen!!!

Wishing you many more beautiful years ahead in all fronts.

Happy Birthday, Mummy, Dr. Jumai Ahmadu

19/07/2025

It's a great DEAL.
With the peace from Air Peace , success ahead...

16/07/2025

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15/07/2025

STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE

PRESIDENT TINUBU RECEIVES REMAINS OF FORMER PRESIDENT BUHARI IN KATSINA AHEAD OF FINAL RITES IN DAURA

President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday received the remains of former President Muhammadu Buhari at the Umaru Musa Yar'Adua International Airport in Katsina.

President Tinubu arrived at the airport from Abuja at 1:42 p.m. and inspected a guard of honour before the Nigerian Air Force plane conveying the remains of his predecessor landed at exactly 1:51 p.m.

Former President Buhari passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2025, in a London hospital.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, President Buhari's wife Aisha, and other family members accompanied President Buhari’s remains to Nigeria.

President Tinubu, along with Vice President Kashim Shettima, President Umaru Sissoco Embaló of Guinea-Bissau, Prime Minister of Niger, Ali Lamine Zeine, former President of Niger, Issoufou Mahamadou, and former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, received the casket of the late president at the foot of the aircraft.

A joint team of military pallbearers comprising nine senior officers laid the casket, draped with the Nigerian flag, on a trolley. The team included Major-General Mohammed Usman, Major-General Oluwafemi Williams, Major-General Shuaibu Nudu, Rear Admiral Suleiman Dahun, Rear Admiral Jonathan Ajodo, Rear Admiral Samuel Ngatuwa, Air Vice Marshal Adeniyi Herbert Amesinlola, Air Vice Marshal Idi Sanni, and Air Vice Marshal Obinna Obiabaka. Major General Mike Alechenu coordinated the team.

The pallbearers wheeled the former leader's casket in a slow march, in sync with the hymn "God Be With You Till We Meet Again," passing through a full military guard of honour comprising six officers and 96 soldiers drawn from the Nigerian Armed Forces.

President Tinubu and others walked behind the casket trolley in a solemn procession. The pallbearers escorted the casket into a waiting military hearse for the one-hour journey to Daura, where funeral prayers and the burial ceremony would take place.

The state funeral featured full military honours, including a 21-gun salute.

Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information & Strategy)
July 15, 2025

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Photo Credit: Channels Television

14/07/2025

Monday, July 14, 2025

His Excellency,
Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo
The Executive Governor of Kogi State
Lugard House
Lokoja, Kogi State

Your Excellency,

RE: THE NIGERIAN NATIONAL ANTHEM IN IGALA LANGUAGE: A CALL FOR KOGI STATE TO REVISIT THE MOVE TO APPROVE IGALA AND EBIRA LANGUAGES AS SUBJECTS IN WAEC EXAMINATIONS

I hope this letter meets you well. I am encouraged to write you this letter in view of your disposition toward developmental issues across the state, as my team and I have observed since you assumed leadership in Kogi State.

Your Excellency, this is to swiftly bring to your attention the remarkable achievement of Onuche Sunday Atabo, a young pupil of LGEA Primary School, Ofante Ojone, in Ogbonicha Ward of Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State. Tutored by his teacher, Miss Edebo Shaibu, the young chap performed the (new) Nigerian national anthem in the Igala language. The teacher ensured that the pupils learned and understood it. Our investigation reveals that her pupils at the school can now perform it effortlessly. This claim was confirmed by the headmaster of the school, Mr. Alfred Friday Agbonika. It is a commendable effort by the school, and they should be acknowledged and appreciated to encourage others to be innovative.

This accomplishment is indeed significant, as many Nigerians are still grappling with the national anthem in English (the nation’s lingua franca). Thus, this is not only an indication of linguistic skill but also a promotion of cultural heritage and national pride.

The effort strategically falls under the purview of at least three ministries in the state: Education, Culture & Tourism, and Information. In view of the potential impact this can have both at the state and national levels (if taken seriously by your administration), it would be appropriate to revisit previous efforts made to secure approval for Igala and Ebira languages as subjects in the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) curriculum.

Such approval would enhance the study of these languages at all levels of education and foster development in ways that will benefit the state and its people, both now and in the future.

Your Excellency, I humbly request that you consider revisiting the language curriculum for Igala and Ebira languages submitted to the National Education Research and Development Council (NERDC) during the administration of Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello. At that time, Honorable Rosemary Ojochenemi Osikoya was the Commissioner for Education. The committee she inaugurated pursued the initiative to an advanced stage, and both languages were on the verge of receiving approval as WAEC subjects. If revived and completed, this effort would not only promote indigenous languages but also inspire others to explore and celebrate our rich cultural heritage.

In anticipation of your positive response to this humble request, I wish to assure you that history is waiting to write your name in golden letters, and posterity will judge you kindly, Your Excellency.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to visible actions in this regard.

Please accept my esteemed regards.

Yours sincerely,
Onoja J. Okpanachi
Publisher, ARISE IGALA Magazine

-
Kogi State Government
Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo

13/07/2025

SENDING...
AN OPEN LETTER TO THE GOVERNOR

Tomorrow, Monday, July 14, 2025, the OPEN LETTER will by the special grace of God reach His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, The Executive Governor of Kogi State.

It's imperative this is done, this way.

Until then, Happy Sunday.

-
ONOJA, Publisher
ARISE IGALA Magazine

13/07/2025

Stay Informed.
Air Peace

13/07/2025

THE NEGOTIATOR: SENATOR JIBRIN ISAH'S PATH TO MEANINGFUL IMPACT

By Onoja J. Okpanachi

He came from a background that negotiating and deal-making was not strange to him. Senator Jibrin Isah (Echocho) is very much aware of the power of negotiation. So, he gets more things done with this art he has developed over time.

Reflecting on his venture into the political arena, one can say he came into the system with clarity. For his person, it wasn't primarily a venture for self but the people's interest, first. This selflessness he continued to display in his activities to the extent that the media/public show aspect of his engagements suffered a lot at a time point.

Today, many have come to terms with his works and the impact he is making despite the noiseless approach. And, many projects are on the way with the design to reach more at the grassroots. With the plan for a mega empowerment being fine tuned, it promises to change the economic stories of many people. This is being designed with less go-betweens but directly to as many as possible and in a very wider arrangements and spread.

The days ahead promises more with Senator Jibrin Isah (Echocho). The negotiator in him is restless, seeking for the good of his people, always. This is even more needed now in view of the people's political journey.