Rivers
Council Plans Revival Of Womanhood Culture
The Okrika Local Government Council in Rivers State says it is reviving the ‘Iria’ culture in order to stop the prevalence of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) and discourage sexual promiscuity in the area.
Chairman of the council, Mr. Tamuno Williams, disclosed this in an interview with our source in Okrika, recently.
Iria, transition to womanhood is part of the culture of the people whereby young women of between the ages of 15 and 20 and thought to be ripe for marriage are paraded at a ceremony.
The parade is usually intended to attract prospective male suitors who might be interested in taking the young women as wives.
Williams described the practice as one of the best values in the land, saying that the council was working together with some Italian firms to project the virtues of the culture abroad.
He explained that the return to the practice was informed by the need to help the girl-child keep her virginity intact until marriage.
He added that the practice was necessary in order to safeguard the health of the girl-child and attract tourism to the state.
Williams said the council was reviving the old custom because of its importance in the life of the girl-child.
“The basic qualification is that the celebrant, the woman must be a virgin. In those days, we had an elderly wise woman who would ascertain the woman’s status whether she is a virgin or not.
“But in modern times, those who want to take part must show us the medical proof of being virgins.
“There are some arguments that such issues may infringe on fundamental human rights. Now fundamental human right only arises when a person is compelled to be part of it.”
Williams said the council would pay in N100, 000 into the bank accounts of each of the participants in the parade.
He explained that the council would be responsible for opening the bank accounts for the young women and that the sum lodged into the account would be withdrawn when the girl-child attained a particular age to be stipulated by the council.
The sum, he said, would then serve as seed money that would be invested in the education and other important aspects of the lives of the young women.
“When the issue of a girl being a virgin becomes topical and rewarding, it will create hunger for abstinence. And that hunger for abstinence will help reduce the prevalence of HIV/AIDS and other STDs.
Rivers
Motor Spare Parts, Industrial Generators Dealers’ Union Swears Gets New Chairman in Port Harcourt
The Owhonda Dickson Motor Spare Parts and Industrial Generators Dealers’ Union operating in Ikoku Port Harcourt, Rivers state has sworn in Mr. Cyril Igbokwe, popularly known as Onyeoma Cy, as its new Chairman.
The brief swearing _in ceremony was held at the union office in Port Harcourt, last Wednesday
In his acceptance speech, Mr. Igbokwe expressed gratitude for the trust and confidence his members had shown in him, despite his perceived educational background compared to others. , “I feel very happy to be the chairman of this great union in this great market. I’m proud of my executives for demonstrating commitment and cooperation.” Notably, the executives raised over ?1 million for the inauguration ceremony within an hour.
The new Chairman promised to tackle key challenges facing the union, including security and indiscipline. He vowed to follow in the footsteps of his predecessor, who he praised for excellent performance, and aimed to possibly do better.
Mr. Igbokwe emphasized maintaining a robust relationship with the host community and conducting his affairs within the ambit of the law.
In his remarks,the Electoral Committee Chairman’, Igwe Amobichukwu Eze Okorie, assured that the elections were conducted in a free, fair, and credible manner. Despite facing challenges such as non-compliance with guidelines and unfounded propaganda campaigns, no formal protest letters had been received.
Also speaking, the Women’s Leader, Lolo Nkechinyere Okolie, expressed faith in the new Chairman, citing his integrity and experience. She highlighted her role in ensuring women’s voices are counted in the union and vouched for the credibility of the election, noting that Mr. Igbokwe was the popular choice among members.
Rivers
CDS Urges Communities To Protect Pipelines
Rivers
Monarch Cautions Youths Against Illicit Drug Consumption
-
Politics24 hours ago
Atiku’s Exit No Problem To PDP – Makinde
-
News21 hours ago
Shettima, Atiku, Obi Attend Buhari’s Fidau Prayer In Daura
-
News23 hours ago
JAMB Uncovers 9,469 Fake Admissions In 20 Tertiary Institutions
-
News22 hours ago
NAF Disowns Recruitment Adverts, Says It’s Fake
-
Rivers23 hours ago
Okrika Administrator Seeks To Connect Okujagu Ama To National Grid … Donates 30 Life Jackets To Okujagu Ama Boat Drivers
-
News20 hours ago
Rivers Chief Judge Frees 21 Awaiting Trial Inmates
-
Politics23 hours ago
Natasha’s Counsel Writes Senate Over Court Judgment
-
Nation22 hours ago
NIPR Practitioners Urge To Go Beyond Traditional Media Relations To Strategic Leadership Functions