Feature/OPED
The Weeping Women of Odimodi Community
By Asiayei Enaibo
The earth will completely lack its existence without women. The complementing value to the totality of women is the true essence of God’s complete creation. He (God) knew the value and took the most precious soul out of man for the creation of a woman for continuation of the Earthly evolution. So, a woman is closer to God as the last of his finest achievements in creation. So when women weep in pain, the soul of God is angry with her plea and petitions.
A society governed by men creates obnoxious laws in the old tradition to deprive women without any explanatory values to the laws. Even though the most inquisitive woman will ask, there are no answers from the men to it. Yes, in antiquity, men dominantory leadership was characterised by greed, selfishness, and superiority claim over their women, communal men made laws, till date, some communities in Ijawland still practice this uncultured act in the pool of civilization where education has refined the minds of men and women in our society.
The Odimodi community is affronting the totality of the female gender. Odimodi community is far from the Crusade of gender sensitivity. Then, the women are about to adapt to the principles of JP Clark’s The Wive’s Revolt in the Odimodi community as the women can’t bear the pains of male chauvinism anymore.
As culture is dynamic in human existence, as humans progress and evolve within the space of time, changes take different shapes and dimensions. It is in this regard that the words of High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo become a pinnacle of hope and transformation within the cultural space of Ijaw spirituality where the High Chief said in his conversation, about what is regarded as Sei-agonoweri in Ijaw. Chief, in his inquisitive spiritual pathways, highlighted who created the moons, the sun, and the seasons. All these are created by God. God never created any month that is characterised by evil. All months are zodiacally significant to man.
So, under this cultural evolution, Dr. Tompolo discarded in Ijaw spirituality that there is no Sei-Agonowei within the context of time as evolution and cultural processes take different shapes and dimensions.
Father Igologolo, Aziza came to perfect the Ijaw’s Journey to the right things and make women sacred beings in Ijaw Spirituality—a religion of inclusiveness in Egbesu Deity as well as the feminine form of gods well known in Ijaw as Ibolomoboere, Ziba-Opuoru. This alone defines Dr. TOMPOLO as Jesus in another form.
Odimodi is a community in the Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State. Weeping Women share their challenges and deep pains within the cultural space of denial of their rights and hope for a reformation that could create new visions that will transcend beyond the agonies they face.
A voice that echoes runs to the creeks and waves to the crescendo that recreates another new hope for the younger generations, particularly for the women of Odimodi community, Iduwini Kingdom in Delta state. And to begin with that, JP Clark’s The Wive’s Revolt became handy to the green space of women’s voices within the Niger Delta region. It is in this regard that Asiayei Enaibo was called upon to echo the weeping voices of the women of the Odimodi community, and this is the story.
Odimodi, that oil-rich community in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State where women have no voice, where their fishing canoes and nets are consumed by pollution, chained down and mouths tied against their existence–Which gods did this to the women?
They bear children without corresponding female benefits. When they make attempts to speak, the men crow against them with communal laws, a threat to be locked in their sacred Town Hall where they barred women from entering in issues that affect the well being of the community called the “Eluwe Ware, known as the house of their progenitor.
Odimodi is a land of many scholars and professors, but their women, sisters had no fair share of oil spillage benefits where the chronic disease birthed on their shoulders and children through polluted waters and on the gill of the fishes caught in their nets. Yes, they have to take their fate like JP Clark’s Wives Revolt to demonstrate a change for fair share and women inclusiveness in the governance of oil Companies’ compensation sharing formula.
According to Doris Ingo, in her voice, “I felt the pains of denigration, subjugation, oppression, and total denial in our fathers and mothers Land.”
The recent OIL company compensation sharing formula where men could have a share of 5 million naira, or 5 hundred thousand. women will be given five thousand naira only, and any contrary voice from them, the men rebuke them on their faces that they are women, and they don’t have a right to anything is nothing short of internal marginalization. Doris said, “These men refuse to learn from the Examples of Dr Tompolo in his sharing formula. In Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, men are 60 per cent, women 40 per cent, but Odimodi community men take all and intimidate us again. In Odimodi, women are disenfranchised to vote, and vie for elective positions generally is a big problem for us. Our women are being imprisoned in their land. If you go to our neighbouring communities, women are playing active community engagements as well as Chiefs and making progress in life.
“We, the women, can’t accept it anymore. I summoned this courage to talk to you to be our voice. Let the transformation of Nigeria’s leadership begin with our communities against bad leadership.”
Weep not. Oh, women of Odimodi. Yes, one wrapper tied their waist when oil companies refused to pay their company workers, their husbands. They make women protest for their benefits during oil servicing contracts. The men drive the women to their husbands’ places and ask the single girls to go and marry and say this money belongs to the men.
What sacrilege did Odimodi women, daughters commit before their forefathers to pass through a generational curse of deprivation?
I heard a cry from the creeks, a forest of women without hope that if they can’t speak through the Talking Drum, their hope is lost till eternity. Doris Ingo weeps in pain like a woman in labour, the pills of the cry echo through waves and storms: “It is time to protest against our fathers, husbands, brothers, and uncles to change their ways.
“This time, we are taking protests against our fathers, husbands, brothers, and uncles who refused to give a fair share of oil money that belonged to the land.”
“Who are women in this land?” The men asked.
Ingo replied: “We are the women who made this land fertile with children. Without women, there is no community and no nation. Nine months, men in their wombs disfigured their natural shapes, but when they come out from our wombs, they create obnoxious laws and deprive us of the right to social and communal benefits. When men lived to their end times, they buried them in the town, but when our mothers died they took them to a forest far from home, yes you can’t even do your mother’s remembrance in Odimodi. It is a taboo in this modern generation. If it is a tradition, this tradition is long overdue to be reviewed. With all the education of our men, no one has said anything to transform this broken idea like JP Clark’s poem of “Ibadan”
If Professor Enaijite E. Ojaruega heard this, the feminist would ask all the women to take the Nigerian Protest against bad governance from their community and will take advocacy tips for total reformative measures. It has to start from Odimodi.
This untold story of women’s discrimination and denigration in the Niger Delta region is what late Prof. JP Clark artistically addressed in his Play, The Wive’s Revolt and I dramatically see this play enacted in a reality show if the men in Odimodi refuse to have a fair share of the oil money coming to the town and strategically position women in the affairs of the community Executive, a time will come the daughters will stage a movement against their fathers, uncles and brothers.
And if it is a curse, the women are willing to embark on a spiritual journey to the Grand Master of Ijaw Spirituality in Oporoza, High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo to revise it with offerings so they too can benefit and have a place in the oil-rich community.
Wailing women, their voices must be heard as Eniye Ingo expressed the grief of internal marginalization within the community.
“Another major issue is the fact that women in that community don’t vote. Where decisions are made, women are not involved in meetings or forums, even on issues that affect them directly. Women are not represented in the government or in any normal town meetings that occur regularly in open town halls. When meetings are called, the town crier makes it clear that only men are invited. The decisions taken in these meetings affect both women and men, yet women have no voice. In a world that has developed to the extent we are today, it is unacceptable that women do not have a voice in their community.”
That is one issue—they are not represented in any way and they don’t have a voice.
Secondly, they don’t vote. In Chairmanship elections, women are disenfranchised. Despite the significant population of women in the community, they are rendered voiceless. Their internal voices are muted. This time, we have emerged from the depths to speak.
Another issue is that, because they don’t vote, they don’t hold elective positions. If you look at the cabinet of the Odimodi community, there are no women—not as secretary, financial secretary, PR, or any position. If this continues, there will never be a female political figure from Odimodi, regardless of their education level. Even with a PhD, they cannot hold an elective position in the community. They don’t vote, just as it was in the pre-colonial and colonial era. This has not changed.
Yet, if Odimodi is listed among civilized communities, it will claim to be one. However, in this world where development, civilization, and globalization have occurred, and women are making impacts everywhere, Odimodi still covers its women with tarpaulin. They go to school, become classmates and colleagues with women making waves, celebrate figures like Dora Akunyili and Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, but stifle their own sisters. These sisters are not entitled to the community’s common wealth.
The men have so stifled their sisters and daughters that they are not given a platform to make an impact in this competitive world. In neighboring communities and ethnic groups, there is stiff competition, yet Odimodi covers its own. How far can they go in a world where numbers are power when a significant part of their population is relegated?
The sad, untold story of Odimodi Community women is a tale of pre-colonialism in the modern era, where women’s authorship in English Literature was often under male names.
Yet, nobody says anything due to the culture of silence. This evil has been normalized to the extent that women who marry into the community from outside are more relevant than the Odimodi daughters. This shows how insignificant Odimodi women are made to feel in all areas, including the common wealth, which is finally bringing this issue to a head. This final straw is about the distribution of common wealth money. These issues have been happening for too long, and there will come a time when enough is truly enough.
The pain endured over time, anguish, and deprivation have made us women speak through the media. We will bear any threatening sword that faces us. Eniye Ingo opens the book of women’s lamentations, hoping for a change for the born and unborn girl child in the Odimodi community.
If any man doubts what I have said, let them tell us the history and unravel the mystery for us to benefit as women.
It is appalling to my readers of this chronicles of the weeping Women of Odimodi to read the story from the lips of Doris Ingo, a great daughter of the land who is hopeful that the media will help to put an end to such entrenched selfishness in the sharing of golden opportunities meant for the women however hard their gender is denigrated by the fathers, brothers and uncles to take a step for changes before international communities and women advocacy groups join their voices.
Asiayei Enaibo, a cultural journalist, writes from GbaramatuVoice
Ever wondered where to find trendy fashion, cutting-edge tech, or stylish home decor at unbeatable prices? Look no further than Temu.
What is Temu?
Temu, an online marketplace sensation, has taken the world by storm with its vast array of products, competitive prices, and user-friendly platform.
Since its 2022 launch, it has quickly become a global sensation, boasting hundreds of millions of downloads and catering to over 80 markets. Now, Nigerian shoppers can experience the Temu magic firsthand.
This guide will walk you through the Temu shopping experience, ensuring a smooth journey from product discovery to delivery.
Step 1: CREATE AN ACCOUNT TO UNLOCK SMART SHOPPING
The registration process
Joining Temu is super easy! Whether you prefer the traditional approach or the convenience of social media, Temu has you covered. For the classic signup, simply visit temu.com or download the mobile app, enter your email or phone number, create a strong password, and confirm your details. It’s as easy as that!
For social media savvy, link your Google, Apple, or Facebook account and skip the hassle of creating a new login. With Temu’s streamlined process, you can spend less time logging in and more time exploring the incredible deals awaiting you.
Mobile app vs. desktop: Which platform offers the best shopping experience?
Both the mobile app and desktop website offer a seamless shopping experience. However, for a truly dynamic and interactive shopping journey, we recommend the mobile app. You will enjoy real-time price alerts, exclusive mobile deals, and easy order tracking.
For a more deliberate shopping experience, the desktop website is the perfect choice. With larger screens and easy-to-use comparison features, you can take your time and make informed decisions.
Step 2: BROWSING AND SHOPPING LIKE A PRO
Navigating Temu’s vast selection
Temu offers a vast selection of over 200 product categories, from fashion and tech to home goods and beauty.
To get started, simply use the search bar function to find specific items or explore categories, and refine your search with filters for price, colour, size, and more. Sort items by relevance, price, or newest arrivals to find the perfect products.
Temu’s ranking system highlights popular and trusted products, often based on customer reviews and sales trends. To make informed choices, compare prices, features, and reviews before purchasing.
Best-selling products
Temu’s best-selling products are constantly updated based on real-time sales data.
Other metrics beyond rankings
Temu goes beyond traditional product rankings, focusing on the performance and quality of its providers. By considering factors like historic ratings, repurchase records, follower numbers, and new product releases, consumers can make informed decisions. This approach not only empowers buyers but also incentivises providers to deliver high-quality, diverse products and build strong customer relationships.
Providers can earn recognition directly on their product pages by ranking highly in categories like Top Sales, Top Rated, Top Repurchased, Top Followed, or New Arrival. These rankings are based on the provider’s performance over the past 30 days and are updated daily to ensure the most current information is displayed to consumers.
Finding your perfect fit
Temu provides detailed size guides to help shoppers find the perfect fit, particularly for clothing and accessories. These guides often include measurements, comparison charts, and sometimes even virtual fitting tools to make your online shopping experience seamless.
Save more, shop smart
Simplify your shopping and maximise your savings with Temu. All discounts are displayed directly on product pages. For the best deals, explore the platform’s Lightning Deals. To ensure satisfaction, pay attention to details, read descriptions, verify measurements, understand features, and consult seller ratings and reviews.
Step 3: PLACING AN ORDER
Shopping safely and securely
Temu offers a variety of payment methods, including popular credit cards and digital wallets like Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Maestro, Discover, JCB and Diners Club. To prioritise your security, the platform employs advanced security measures, adhering to strict industry standards to protect your information.
Step 4: FAST AND RELIABLE DELIVERY
Hassle-free delivery, every time
Temu prioritises customer satisfaction by providing real-time order tracking and reliable shipping options, including free standard shipping and express delivery. The platform guarantees on-time delivery and offers full refunds for damaged or undelivered orders.
At the moment, Temu is in partnership with local logistics firms, such as Flyt Express, SKYNET, and Speedaf to make delivery to Nigerian shoppers on time.
Step 5: AFTER-SALES SERVICE – BEYOND THE PURCHASE
Returns and exchanges made easy
Temu provides a seamless return process with its Purchase Protection Program. If you’re unsatisfied with a purchase, log into your account, select the item, provide a reason, and submit a return request. Temu will provide a prepaid shipping label.
You have a 90-day return window for most items. Once processed, you can choose a refund to Temu credit or original payment. For exchanges, return the item and place a new order. Temu also offers refund policies for no updates and no deliveries. Check Temu’s specific return policy for the latest information.
Beyond shopping: A greener future
Temu is committed to sustainability. By shopping on Temu, you contribute to a greener future. The platform’s Tree Planting Program and combined shipping initiatives help reduce environmental impact.
Smart shopping simplified
Temu has transformed online shopping, offering a wide range of affordable products and a user-friendly experience.
Follow these simple steps to easily navigate the platform and discover your next favourite find. If you need assistance, Temu’s customer support team is available 24/7.
So, shop with confidence on Temu!
By Jerome-Mario Utomi
Some persons are born as a special breed of humans. Chiedu Ebie, Chairman of the Governing Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) is one of such persons.
In fact, at 55, Ebie encapsulates Menachem Mendel Schneerson’s postulation about people born as a special breed. Schneerson: “Because time itself is like a spiral, something special happens on your birthday each year: The same energy that God invested in you at birth is present once again.”.
When you look at Ebie’s career trajectory, his exhilarating performances in all the public offices he has held, his contributions to making Delta State a dream state for Deltans, and his current efforts to saturate the Niger Delta region with socio-economic, infrastructural, and human capital development as NDDC chairman, you won’t but agree that he indeed, as submitted by Menachem Mendel Schneerson, belongs to a rare breed of humans. Born January 2, 1970, Ebie’s birthday is a huge celebration of excellence.
Though he wears no airs and does not sound his own trumpet, anyone who encounters him will readily see in him a personality whose life is characterised by remarkable, legendary, and exemplary feats.
A thoroughbred attorney and oil and gas exploration executive, before his appointment as NDDC Board Chairman in November 2023, Ebie had served as Delta State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education and later, Secretary to the State Government.
Private and public sector stakeholders share common, refreshing commentaries about Ebie’s eventful and impactful 55 years on earth and his salutary accomplishments.
The common denominator, however, is that this “birthday boy,” this illustrious son of the Ika ancient kingdom who had contributed immensely to the realisation of the Smart and Stronger Delta agenda of the Governor Ifeanyi Okowa administration”, is worthy of commendation, emulation, and celebration as he turns 55 today.
Late American President John Quincy Adams was probably talking about Ebie when he argued that “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader.” Indeed, in Ebie, you see a man whose knack for hard work, honesty, integrity, purposefulness, and excellence has been a source of inspiration to his subordinates and admirers.
His amiable and genial attributes, his traits of transparency and rock-solid integrity, as well as his goal-orientated nature, are arguably traceable to his grandfather, who was the first ordained reverend of the Anglican Church in the Ika nation, and whose two sons later became ordained reverend gentlemen themselves.
As Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education from 2015-2019, for instance, Ebie achieved unprecedented set goals, which included the massive renovation and rehabilitation of schools and the revamping of grassroots sports through the Zenith Bank Delta Principal’s and Headmaster’s Cup.
In 2019, he achieved a record-breaking and, of course, the transparent recruitment of 1,000 teachers, posted across secondary schools in the state. This merit-based and high-level transparency recruitment exercise made it possible for most of the beneficiaries to scale through without knowing anyone in the ministry or government.
In recognition of his rare attributes, then Governor Okowa made the following elegant statement about Ebie during his inauguration as SSG: “Mr Ebie is a fine gentleman who served meritoriously as Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education in the first tenure of his administration. His civility, analytical intelligence, communication skills, and diligence are essential qualities needed for the office of the SSG.
In addition to these, modern statecraft, with all its complexities and challenges, requires team players, proactive leaders, and men with a large appetite for work. Mr Ebie meets these criteria, and I am convinced that he is well equipped to enrich the social, political, and economic narrative of our dear state.”
In just one year as NDDC Board Chairman, the Board under his leadership has turned not just the Commission round for the better but also the entire Niger Delta region through purposeful and result-orientated superintendence.
Today is not just Ebie’s birthday but also the dawn of a new year for him, the beginning of another cycle of 365 days of rendering quality, humane, deliberate, intentional, and transformational service to Nigeria and the people of the Niger Delta in particular.
Happy birthday, sir!
Utomi, a media specialist, writes from Lagos, Nigeria. He can be reached via [email protected]/08032725374.
Feature/OPED
Kaolin Mining in Nigeria and Processing into Pharmaceutical Grade Kaolin with Export Potential
By Anaekwe Everistus Nnamdi
Kaolin, a versatile and valuable industrial mineral, holds significant promise for Nigeria’s mining and industrial sectors. Its wide-ranging applications, especially in the pharmaceutical industry, present an untapped potential for mining and processing into pharmaceutical-grade material for both local use and export.
Kaolin, or china clay, is a soft, white clay primarily composed of kaolinite. It finds applications in ceramics, paper, paint, rubber, and plastics. In the pharmaceutical industry, it serves as an excipient, binder, and coating agent for tablets, underscoring its economic significance. Pharmaceutical-grade kaolin is a premium product, requiring high purity levels and strict processing standards.
Nigeria boasts substantial kaolin deposits in states like Adamawa, Katsina, Ogun, Ondo, and Ekiti, with reserves exceeding two billion metric tons. Despite this abundance, the potential of kaolin mining and processing remains underutilized due to limited investment, inadequate infrastructure, and technological challenges.
The local demand for kaolin, particularly in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, is on the rise. As Nigeria’s pharmaceutical sector grows, fueled by an increasing population and higher prevalence of chronic diseases, the need for high-quality pharmaceutical excipients like kaolin is set to surge. Beyond pharmaceuticals, kaolin is essential in toothpaste, cosmetics, and agrochemicals, further diversifying its domestic applications.
Globally, the kaolin market was valued at USD 3.09 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 4.90 billion by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.59% from 2023 to 2030. The rising demand across industries such as paper, ceramics, paints, and rubber drives this growth. Construction activities worldwide also contribute to the expanding market, aligning with the growing global population’s needs.
Pharmaceutical-grade kaolin represents a niche yet high-value segment of this market. Major importers include the United States, Germany, Japan, and South Korea, where stringent regulations require high-quality raw materials.
Nigeria’s strategic location and trade agreements with African and international partners position it as a potential supplier. Investments in mining and processing infrastructure could enable Nigeria to compete globally, leveraging its vast reserves and cost advantages.
Trends in the Kaolin Market
Increased Demand for High-Purity Kaolin: The pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries are driving the need for ultra-fine, high-purity kaolin that meets regulatory standards.
Sustainability in Mining: Emphasis is growing on sustainable practices, minimizing environmental impact, and benefiting local communities.
Technological Advancements: Innovations in processing technology improve beneficiation efficiency, meeting stringent global standards.
Local Value Addition: Many governments encourage local processing industries to reduce reliance on raw material exports.
Processing pharmaceutical-grade kaolin involves a series of meticulously controlled stages. The first step is mining and beneficiation, which includes extracting kaolin and removing impurities through processes such as washing, sieving, and magnetic separation.
Next, calcination is employed to heat the kaolin, removing moisture and enhancing its chemical and physical properties.
This is followed by grinding and micronizing, a critical phase where the kaolin is refined to achieve the ultra-fine particle size required for pharmaceutical applications.
Finally, quality testing is conducted to ensure the product meets stringent international pharmacopoeia standards, guaranteeing its suitability for high-value uses.
Modern processing plants in Nigeria could significantly boost the local value chain, create jobs, and reduce dependency on imported pharmaceutical-grade kaolin.
The Nigerian mining sector operates under the Minerals and Mining Act of 2007, which provides the legal framework for activities. Key provisions include:
Licensing: Companies require licenses, such as Exploration Licenses, Mining Leases, and Small-Scale Mining Leases.
Environmental Compliance: Operations must adhere to environmental regulations, including conducting Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs).
Community Engagement: Companies must engage host communities and deliver socio-economic benefits.
Additionally, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) oversees pharmaceutical product quality, including raw materials like kaolin. Compliance with NAFDAC standards is crucial for local producers targeting the pharmaceutical market.
Kaolin mining and processing offer Nigeria an opportunity to diversify its economy, reduce import dependency, and boost foreign exchange earnings. Investments in infrastructure, technology, and regulatory compliance can unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s kaolin reserves.
As global demand for high-purity kaolin rises, particularly in the pharmaceutical sector, Nigeria’s strategic position and abundant resources make it a key player in the industry’s future.
Anaekwe Everistus Nnamdi is the founder and Market Research Analyst of Foraminifera Market Research Limited, Lagos and can be reached via [email protected] or +234 8033782777
-
Feature/OPED5 years agoDavos was Different this year
-
Travel/Tourism8 years ago
Lagos Seals Western Lodge Hotel In Ikorodu
-
Showbiz2 years agoEstranged Lover Releases Videos of Empress Njamah Bathing
-
Banking7 years agoSort Codes of GTBank Branches in Nigeria
-
Economy2 years agoSubsidy Removal: CNG at N130 Per Litre Cheaper Than Petrol—IPMAN
-
Banking2 years agoFirst Bank Announces Planned Downtime
-
Sports2 years agoHighest Paid Nigerian Footballer – How Much Do Nigerian Footballers Earn
-
Technology4 years agoHow To Link Your MTN, Airtel, Glo, 9mobile Lines to NIN