Connect with us

Lifestyle

Open-Grazing/IPOB sit-at-home: Ohanaeze youths take stand, give governors ultimatum

Published

5 years ago

on

The youth wing of apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, on Wednesday, told the South-East Governors to rise to the occasion as the September ultimatum on the ban on open-grazing draws to a close.

The media recalls that the Southern Governors had during their last meeting in Lagos set September 1, 2021 as the deadline for the ban on open-grazing in the region.

However, with less than one month to go, no Southeast State has passed law banning open-grazing.

Addressing a press briefing in Enugu, the National President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youths Worldwide, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike urged the governors to immediately transmit executive bill to the Houses of Assembly to that effect.

The group also asked the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, to reconsider the sit-at-home it declared with effect from next Monday.

Ohanaeze equally declared that the Nigeria President of Igbo extraction was non-negotiable in 2023.

Full text of the press briefing bellow:

Today, I welcome you all to this press briefing on behalf of the millions of Igbo youths at home and in the diaspora.

We have keenly watched events both in the polity and in Igboland and this is the time to make our stand known as we continue to push for the restoration of our place in the polity.

May we state clearly that the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youths Worldwide under my leadership stand totally for the defense of the interest of Ndigbo. We will never allow anything that will go against the collective interest and unity of our people.

LOPSIDED APPOINTMENTS
Nigeria has evolved through a process from the return to democracy in 1999 till date and there is no doubt that Ndigbo have borne the brunt of the ups and downs of the country in these years. They have been victims of all manner of attacks, segregation and political exclusion. It became worse under the present administration where anyone from the South-East is viewed to be not good enough to hold any sensitive position, aside the statutory ministerial positions. We have seen cases where Igbo men and women retire or complete their tenures in agencies only for the Federal Government to swiftly appoint their replacement from the Northern part of the country. A recent case in point is the NECO registrar, who was gruesomely murdered only to be replaced by a Northerner. We consider this an affront on Ndigbo and it has to be addressed. This is not to talk of the total absence of a Southeaster in the top security echelon of this country.

IGBO PRESIDENCY
As 2023 draws near, our stand is simple- it is a Nigerian President of Igbo extraction or nothing. If indeed we are still considered to be part of this country, the time has come for other regions to show Ndigbo some respect and proof of acceptability. 2023 is no doubt the turn of Ndigbo to produce the next President going by the zoning arrangement which favours the Southern Nigeria. Down here in the South, apart from the South-East, every other region has had a shot in that coveted position. It is, therefore, undoubtedly the turn of an Igbo man to occupy the Aso Building after President Muhammadu Buhari has completed his tenure. This is a sure way to assuage the feelings of the people of the South-East. You cannot beat a child and ask him not to cry. Our people have been sorely beaten and brutalised and the only way to wipe their tears and heal the wound is 2023 presidency. To this end, we ask both the All Progressives Congress, APC, and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to zone their presidential ticket to the South-East. Other political parties should also follow suit.

NNAMDI KANU/IPOB ORDER
We once more express deep concern over the detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB. We have earlier condemned the manner with which he was brought into the country, defying all international laws and conventions. Be that as it may, we urge the Federal Government that going forward, his rights and the orders given by the same court where is standing trial must be respected. He should have access to his lawyer and family members as ordered by the court. We equally beg Igbo leaders not to abandon Nnamdi Kanu in his moment of trial. He may have erred in some of his strategies but this is not a time for blame games. We must save one of our own, who we consider a political prisoner and only a political solution is the sure-rest way to his freedom. A delegation of the South-East leaders should as quickly as possible be sent to the Federal Government to facilitate his immediate release.

On the sit-at-home declared by the IPOB leadership starting from next Monday, we appeal that the decision be reconsidered in the interest of our people. May we not forget that most of the people we are fighting for are artisans who feed on their daily incomes and asking them to remain at home after the weekend break would impose serious economic burden on them. Besides, the National Examination Council, NECO, examination is also on-going and our youths, the future of tomorrow are taking part in that exam. Would we now say they should miss their examinations on such days? Our humble appeal is that we seek a political solution to this matter. We will not fail to thank the members of the IPOB for maintaining peace and resisting the temptation to protest, in the midst of provocation.

OPEN GRAZING
We have less than one month to the deadline giving by the Southern governors for a total ban on open-grazing. We have waited, we have watched but no State in the South-East has passed the anti-open grazing law. This is a time for action. They must not disappoint millions of Igbos because posterity will not be fair on them. Without wasting more time, the governors should transmit executive bills to the Houses of Assembly to that effect. The life of our people, especially our women and young girls who are being raped everyday, and our poor rural dwellers being mowed down everyday should not be left under the altar of political exigency. The time to act is now.

VOTERS REGISTRATION:
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, last month commenced continuous voters’ registration. However, we are not pleased with the data we are getting. As usual, our people are occupying the rear. This should not be so, this is a time to put every other thing aside and get our voters’ cards. It is our weapon, it is our future. I ask all Igbo youths to become PVC ambassador wherever you are. We specifically call on all Biafra agitators to encourage their members and supporters to obtain the PVC as it will help their course, especially as a means of identification in the case of a referendum.

Culled from the Daily Post Nigeria

Texas Guardian News
Latest posts by Texas Guardian News (see all)
Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Community

Wazobia Family Funfair AT 10 – Decade of Family, Culture, and Community

Published

2 days ago

on

June 8, 2026

By

On July 25, 2026, families from across Houston will gather at the West Oaks Mall on 1000 West Oaks, Houston, to celebrate a milestone that extends far beyond food, music, and entertainment. The 10th Anniversary of the Wazobia Family Funfair represents a decade-long journey of community building, cultural preservation, entrepreneurship, and family-centered engagement.

What began as a customer appreciation initiative has evolved into one of the most recognizable African community events in Texas. For ten years, the Funfair has provided a space where families reconnect with culture, children experience heritage, entrepreneurs build relationships, and communities strengthen the bonds that define them.

The story of the anniversary begins with the story of Wazobia itself. Founded in 2013 by entrepreneur Tunde Fashina, Wazobia was created with a vision that stretched beyond commerce. According to Fashina, the goal was never simply to sell products.

FASHINA, OHAZURIKE: For Fashina, leadership carries responsibility. “The feeling is fantastic because you’ve achieved something,” he explained. “But it is also frightening because every decision affects many people.” He added: “The higher you are in an organization, the more people are affected by your decisions.” Those values influence the company’s culture and community engagement efforts.

“The emphasis was not more on getting the products,” he explained. “The emphasis was on creating a feeling of belonging to the customer, so that they feel at home any time they come to our place.”

That philosophy became the foundation of the business. Fashina spent nearly two years developing the business plan. The challenge was enormous. He had limited financial resources and relied heavily on relationships, determination, and faith.

“The business plan had to involve getting this business up with absolutely no money, because I didn’t have any,” he recalled.

The early years tested every aspect of his resolve. He performed multiple roles simultaneously.

“I was a cleaner. I was a restocker. I was a cashier. I did all the work,” he said. “I slept in the shop throughout for almost 18 months because I was working around the clock.”

Despite the challenges, growth came quickly.

“God showed up in ways that I could not describe,” Fashina said. “People started coming in little by little, and the growth rate exceeded everything in the business plan.”

Yet even as the company expanded, community remained central to the mission. “We created a sub-plan,” he explained. “How do we give back to those who built us? How do we let our customers know that we appreciate them?”

The answer became what is now known as the Wazobia Family Funfair.

 

 

Over the years, the event evolved from a modest appreciation day into a major annual celebration featuring cultural performances, African music, dance, games, food vendors, business showcases, and family activities.

For Paula Ohazurike, Project Manager at Wazobia, the event represents much more than an annual gathering. Her experience since she joined Wazobia reflects a recurring theme in conversations with employees and customers: Wazobia is viewed not merely as a business but as a community institution.

That philosophy is visible in the Family Funfair. The event creates a rare space where generations come together. Children born in America are introduced to African traditions through music, dance, language, fashion, and food. Parents and grandparents reconnect with memories of home while sharing those experiences with younger family members.

In a city as diverse as Houston, such gatherings carry significant cultural value. Houston is home to one of the largest African immigrant populations in the United States. Yet many families often struggle to maintain cultural connections while navigating modern American life. Events like the Wazobia Family Funfair help bridge that gap.

The significance of the Funfair extends beyond cultural preservation. It serves as a platform for economic empowerment. Small businesses, vendors, artists, and service providers use the event to connect with potential customers. Community organizations engage residents. Entrepreneurs build networks. Relationships formed during the event often extend throughout the year.

According to Ohazurike, the event has become one of the most effective community-engagement platforms within Houston’s African diaspora. The atmosphere itself reflects the spirit of family. Children enjoy games, bounce houses, and face painting. Families participate in contests and group activities. Music fills the air. Food vendors showcase culinary traditions from across Africa.

The result is an experience that feels both festive and deeply personal. Fashina believes that sense of belonging remains the event’s greatest achievement. “There is no reason for us not to provide an environment that people can be proud of,” he said. “A place where they can bring their friends and enjoy themselves.”

 

 

That vision continues to guide the organization. Today, Wazobia has expanded significantly, operating multiple locations and employing approximately 250 people. “It is something we are immensely proud of,” Fashina noted. “But this is only the beginning.” Growth, however, is measured by more than financial success.

For Fashina, leadership carries responsibility. “The feeling is fantastic because you’ve achieved something,” he explained. “But it is also frightening because every decision affects many people.” He added: “The higher you are in an organization, the more people are affected by your decisions.” Those values influence the company’s culture and community engagement efforts.

The Family Funfair embodies that philosophy by bringing people together in ways that strengthen relationships and encourage collective progress. Perhaps that is why the event has endured for ten years. Many community events emerge with enthusiasm but struggle to survive. Sustaining a large-scale annual celebration requires trust, consistency, and a genuine commitment to service. The Wazobia Family Funfair has achieved that longevity because it has remained focused on people.

Over the past decade, families have returned year after year. Children who attended the first Funfair now return as young adults. New immigrants have found friendships and support systems. Businesses have launched partnerships. Countless memories have been created.

 

 

The anniversary therefore represents more than a milestone date on a calendar; it represents ten years of shared experiences; ten years of preserving culture; ten years of supporting businesses; ten years of strengthening families; and ten years of building community.

As Houston prepares for the 2026 celebration, organizers are looking toward the future while honoring the past. For Ohazurike, the mission remains simple. “We want people to feel welcome,” she said. “We want families to come together and create memories.”
For Fashina, the broader vision remains rooted in possibility. “We can do it,” he said. “We just have to have a goal in mind and take it one step at a time.”

Those words capture the spirit of the Wazobia Family Funfair. At its heart, the event is not simply a festival. It is a living expression of community resilience, cultural pride, and family unity. It demonstrates how a business can become a community anchor. It illustrates how relationships can create opportunities. It reminds us that culture thrives when it is shared. Ten years after its inception, the Wazobia Family Funfair continues to embody the meaning of its name—an invitation for everyone to come together.

In a world increasingly defined by division and isolation, that invitation may be more important than ever. And as families gather once again this July, they will celebrate more than an anniversary. They will celebrate a decade of belonging.

Texas Guardian News
Latest posts by Texas Guardian News (see all)
Continue Reading

Lifestyle

Burbank Marriage Unravels After Woman Allegedly Used Tracking Devices to Monitor Husband

Published

6 months ago

on

December 27, 2025

By

Burbank, Calif. — What began as a seemingly happy two-year marriage ended in confrontation and police involvement after a Burbank woman allegedly used multiple electronic tracking devices to monitor her husband’s movements, authorities and sources familiar with the situation said.

According to information obtained by this outlet, the marriage between Amos and Yolanda deteriorated after Yolanda allegedly placed Apple AirTags, Tile trackers, and a GPS tracking device on Amos’ vehicle and personal belongings without his knowledge. The devices reportedly allowed her to monitor his location in real time and reconstruct his daily movements across the city.

Friends of the couple said the marriage appeared stable during its early years, with the pair often seen together at community events and social gatherings. However, tensions reportedly escalated when Yolanda began confronting Amos about his whereabouts, referencing locations and timelines he had not shared with her.

The situation reached a breaking point when Yolanda allegedly tracked Amos to an apartment complex in Burbank, where she believed he had gone without informing her. Sources say she arrived at the location shortly after he did, leading to a heated confrontation in the parking area of the building. Neighbors, alarmed by raised voices, contacted local authorities.

Burbank police responded to the scene and separated the parties. While no arrests were immediately announced, the incident marked the effective end of the couple’s marriage, according to individuals close to Amos.

Legal experts note that the unauthorized use of tracking devices may raise serious privacy and stalking concerns under California law, depending on intent and consent. Law enforcement officials have not publicly disclosed whether an investigation remains ongoing.

The case underscores growing concerns about the misuse of consumer tracking technology, originally designed to help locate lost items, but increasingly implicated in domestic disputes and surveillance-related allegations.

As of publication, neither Amos nor Yolanda had publicly commented on the incident.

Texas Guardian News
Latest posts by Texas Guardian News (see all)
Continue Reading

Lifestyle

Kaduna Governor Commissions Nigeria’s First 100-Building Prefabricated Housing Estate

Published

7 months ago

on

November 14, 2025

By

Kaduna, Nigeria – November 6, 2025 — In a major milestone for Nigeria’s housing sector, the Governor of Kaduna State has commissioned a 100-unit mass housing estate developed by Family Homes and executed by Karmod Nigeria, marking the first-ever large-scale prefabricated housing project in the country.

Completed in under six months, the innovative project demonstrates the power of modern prefabricated construction to deliver high-quality, affordable homes at record speed — a sharp contrast to traditional building methods that often take years.

Each of the 100 units in the estate is designed for a lifespan exceeding 50 years with routine maintenance. The development features tarred access roads, efficient drainage systems, clean water supply, and steady electricity, ensuring a modern and comfortable living environment for residents.

According to Family Homes, the project represents a new era in Nigeria’s mass housing delivery, proving that cutting-edge technology can accelerate the provision of sustainable and cost-effective homes for Nigerians.

“With prefabricated technology, we can drastically reduce construction time while maintaining top-quality standards,” said a spokesperson for Family Homes. “This project is a clear demonstration of what’s possible when innovation meets commitment to solving Nigeria’s housing deficit.”

Reinforcing this commitment, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State emphasized the alignment between the initiative and the state’s broader vision for affordable housing.

“The Family Homes Funds Social Housing Project aligns with our administration’s commitment to the provision of affordable houses for Kaduna State citizens. Access to safe, affordable and secure housing is the foundation of human dignity. We have been partnering with local and international investors to frontally address our housing deficit,” he said.

Also speaking at the event, Mr. Ademola Adebise, Chairman of Family Homes Funds Limited, noted that the project embodies inclusivity and social progress.

“The Social Housing Project also reflects our shared vision of inclusive growth, where affordable housing becomes a foundation for economic participation and improved quality of life.”

Karmod Nigeria, the technical partner behind the project, utilized its extensive expertise in prefabricated technology to localize the process, employing local artisans and materials to enhance community participation and job creation.

Industry experts have described the Kaduna project as a blueprint for future housing initiatives nationwide, capable of addressing the country’s housing shortfall more efficiently and sustainably.

With this pioneering development, Kaduna State takes a leading role in introducing modern housing technologies that promise to reshape Nigeria’s urban landscape.

Texas Guardian News
Latest posts by Texas Guardian News (see all)
Continue Reading

Trending