Tension as Anambra community union asks monarch to stop Ofala Festival

A crisis is brewing in Enugwu-Agidi Community of Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State, following an order by the community’s union, ordering its monarch to halt activities on his proposed Ofala Festival.

This has resulted in tension as arrangements had been concluded by the monarch before the news of the abolition of the exercise.

Ofala festivals are annual traditional festivals presided over by duly coronated monarchs to celebrate themselves and also commemorate their time on the throne. It is also a time when monarchs confer titles on deserving individuals.

READ ALSO:

• Exchange rate ends 2024 at N1,535/$1, marking a 40.9% depreciation
• Lagos govt clears traders from rail tracks at Bolade, Oshodi
• Four countries that won’t celebrate New Year

But a letter signed by David Onuora, the President General of Enugwu-Agidi Brotherly Union and Israel Chineze, the Secretary-General, and sent to the monarch, His Royal Highness Igwe Michael Okekeuche, ordered him to desist from holding the festival.

The duo also wrote to the Anambra State governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, and the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matter, TonyCollins Nwabunwanne, alerting them of their decision, saying that going ahead may cause a breakdown of law and order.

Tension as Anambra community union asks monarch to stop Ofala Festival

Lagos govt clears traders from rail tracks at Bolade, Oshodi

The Lagos State Government has removed traders operating on the rail tracks at Bolade, Oshodi, following a viral video that raised concerns about public safety.

The announcement was made by Tokunbo Wahab, Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, on Monday.

The clearance was done in collaboration with the Nigerian Army from the nearby Ikeja Cantonment.

Wahab’s statement read: “Following the viral video on social media, we’ve removed traders from the rail tracks at Bolade, opposite Arena Shopping Complex, in collaboration with Nigerian Army personnel from Ikeja Cantonment.” 

READ ALSO:

• Four countries that won’t celebrate New Year
• Social media abuzz over Fayose claim of N50m donation to VeryDarkMan’s NGO
• Mexico recovers 31 bodies from secret graves

The viral video, originally shared on X (formerly Twitter) by a user identified as @dipoaina1 on December 28, depicted scenes of buying and selling taking place perilously close to the railway tracks.

The footage showed an NRC train on the Lagos-Ibadan rail track passing by as people continued their activities undeterred. The post highlighted the dangers posed by the lack of barriers, with @dipoaina1 suggesting the railway route be fenced with barbed wire to prevent such risky behavior.

The government’s swift response underscores its commitment to ensuring public safety and maintaining order around critical infrastructure. This move also aligns with broader efforts to address safety challenges associated with urban rail transportation in Lagos. However, the incident highlights the need for sustained proactive measures rather than reactive actions to prevent future occurrences.

Lagos govt clears traders from rail tracks at Bolade, Oshodi

Four countries that won’t celebrate New Year

In less than 12 hours, countries around the world will be celebrating a New Year – 2025.

However, there are some countries that will not join in the celebration as their calendars differ from the rest of the worlds’.

Ethiopia, Nepal, Iran, and Afghanistan are four countries that won’t be celebrating New Year’s Day 2025.

Ethiopia is a land of ancient traditions and unique cultural identities, including its own calendar system. The Ethiopian calendar, based on the Coptic calendar, comprises 13 months—12 of which have 30 days, while the 13th month, Pagumē, has five or six days depending on the leap year.

The Ethiopian New Year, known as Enkutatash, falls on Meskerem 1, which corresponds to September 11 or 12 in the Gregorian calendar. Interestingly, Ethiopia is about seven to eight years behind the Gregorian calendar, meaning that as the rest of the world enters 2025, Ethiopia will still be in 2017.

READ ALSO:

• Social media abuzz over Fayose claim of N50m donation to VeryDarkMan’s NGO
• Mexico recovers 31 bodies from secret graves
• FCT police recover huge firearms from suspect after shooting incident

Nepal embraces two traditional calendar systems—Vikram Samvat and Nepal Sambat—making it one of the most unique timekeeping cultures globally. Vikram Samvat, a lunisolar calendar, is the official calendar of Nepal and is approximately 57 years ahead of the Gregorian calendar.

Additionally, the Nepal Sambat, a lunar calendar, is used by the Newar community and runs on its own timeline, adding another layer of distinction to the nation’s calendar traditions. The official New Year celebration in Nepal, called Bisket Jatra, typically falls in April. Hence, January 1 is not a significant date in Nepal.

Iran follows the Solar Hijri calendar, which is one of the most accurate solar calendars in the world. This system begins with the vernal equinox, marking the first day of spring. The Iranian New Year, known as Nowruz, falls around March 21 and is celebrated with elaborate customs and rituals that date back over 3,000 years.

For Iranians, January 1 is an ordinary winter day, with their focus firmly set on the arrival of spring and the renewal it symbolises.

Afghanistan also uses the Solar Hijri calendar, aligning its timekeeping closely with Iran. Similarly, Nowruz marks the New Year in Afghanistan, celebrated with feasts, family gatherings, and cultural events.

Afghanistan’s rich history and adherence to its traditional calendar reflect its cultural pride and resistance to adopting the Gregorian system, making it one of the few nations where January 1 holds no special significance.

Four countries that won’t celebrate New Year