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Panic in UNILAG as students contract COVID-19

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Other students also said the university authorities became more forceful and strict with the enforcement of coronavirus protocols on Tuesday.

The main campus of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka, has been thrown into panic as some unidentified students have reportedly contracted the coronavirus disease.

The university’s vice-chancellor, Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, who neither confirmed nor denied the report, told PREMIUM TIMES on the phone that the institution’s management was in a meeting over the matter.

Mr Ogundipe said the institution would soon make its position on the issue public.

“We are already in a management meeting. We will speak on it soon,” he told our reporter.

Meanwhile, this newspaper’s independent findings revealed that a sophomore female Law student is one of the confirmed cases.

“We learnt she was taken to the counselling unit before being taken to an isolation centre,” a classmate of the infected student, who does not want to be quoted, told our reporter on the phone.

Other students also said the university authorities became more forceful and strict with the enforcement of coronavirus protocols on Tuesday.

Departmental heads and deans of faculties were said to be moving round the classrooms to ensure compliance with the use of nose masks and sanitisers.

The dean of the faculty of law, Ige Bolodeoku, was said to have moved from one classroom to another at the faculty to compel both staff and students to obey the rules.

He was said to be visibly worried and threatened anyone found loittering the corridors and those without masks that he would send them out of the university.

Another student, who also craved anonymity, said; “Earlier this morning, an official of the law student society (LSS) had told people to put on their masks. The LASS official’s name is Aisha, and she told everyone to be careful because of COVID-19.

“So by 9a.m, we were having CIL 212 (Law of Contract) when the dean entered the classroom and chased some students out for not using nose masks. Even those who did not use theirs properly were asked to move out.”

Sanwo-Olu’s warning

The development is a confirmation of the notice issued on Sunday by the governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who threatened to sanction anyone found to have flouted the established protocol to curb the spread of the infection in the state.

Mr Sanwo-Olu in a statement personally signed by him said the third wave of the infection was imminent in the country.

He gave statistics of the gradual rise in the number of cases with an increase from about one per cent positive results of tested specimens as of the end of June to about six per cent rate by July 8.

Varsity’s past experience

The university had earlier in January lost some prominent scholars to the pandemic.

A former vice-chancellor at the university, Oye Ibidapo-Obe, died on January 3, and another, a former dean of students’ affairs on the campus, Duro Ajeyalemi, was also claimed by the pandemic on January 6.

The university’s former dean of law faculty and currently the attorney-general and commissioner for justice in Oyo State, South-west Nigeria, Oyelowo Oyewo, was also infected by the virus. Mr Oyewo, however, recovered after spending some weeks in isolation in Lagos.

Culled from the Premium Times News Nigeria

Houston

Houston Gets a Taste of West Africa at Chef Kavachi’s ‘Art of Fufu’ Show, August 8

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When it comes to international culinary gems and cultures across the United States, the city of Houston is counted among one of the best places to experience an authentic taste of every corner of the world.

 On the evening of Friday, August 8th, Houstonians will have a chance to engage all of their senses into the world of real West African flavors at Grubido’s ‘Art of Fufu’ Food & Art Show, a free culinary and art experience taking place at Flatland Gallery (1709 Westheimer Rd.) in Montrose.

  Curated by Grubido founder and Culinary Cultural Curator Kavachi Ukegbu, the annual celebration of west African cuisine and artistry will once again open its doors to patrons to witness the delights of creating and eating Fufu (a starchy, dough-like food that is a staple in many West and Central African countries), and its delicious and diverse pairings of soups and stews that originate from various parts of the continent, and uniquely compliment the beloved food staple as a complete meal. The event will also celebrate the observance of National Fufu Day  in the United States on August 11th.

  From the process of how different types of fufu are grown and manufactured, to the careful guidance on properly preparing the fufu to be eaten, the ‘Art of Fufu’ Food & Art showcase will give patrons a full circle perspective and appreciation for the food staple that has gained global popularity on social media and in many countries around the world.

  Attendees will be treated to fufu and soup samples, live Afrobeats music, an impressive display of fufu inspired artwork and collectables from over the years, and the opportunity to purchase Grubido food products, t-shirts, and the official The Art of Fufu cookbook. Originally published and released by Chef Kavach in 2021, “The Art of Fufu is a fascinating and informative guide to fufu, one of the most delicious and beloved staple foods of West Africans.” All cookbook purchases at the event will be signed by Chef Kavachi.

Entry for this event is free to all guests, but RSVP is strictly required in advance. To RSVP for the upcoming Art of Fufu Food & Art show, please visit the official website online at www.TheArtofFufu.com, or contact Grubido at (832) 818-6847.

The Art of Fufu Cookbook is a culinary treasure that explores the flavors, techniques, and cultural significance of fufu. It is a testament to the artistry of West African cuisine and serves as a guide for those seeking to immerse themselves in this beloved dish.

For more information, please visit www.theartoffufu.com & www.artoffufu.com

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Video: Omambala Cultural Association in Houston Celebrates Motherhood with Joyous Igbo-Inspired Mother’s Day Event

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Omambala Association in Houston Celebrates Motherhood with Joyous Mother’s Day Event

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HOUSTON, TEXAS – May 5, 2025 — The Omambala Cultural Association in Houston hosted a vibrant and heartfelt Mother’s Day celebration on Sunday evening at the Igbo Catholic Community Hall on Creekbend. The event brought together families and community members to honor the enduring strength, love, and sacrifices of mothers within the Igbo community.

Led by the association’s president, Ichelle Awkuzu, the Isaaka of Igboland, the gathering featured prayers, cultural music, dance, and speeches dedicated to celebrating motherhood. Awkuzu described the event as a moment of reflection and appreciation for mothers, emphasizing their central role in shaping families and preserving cultural values.

The association’s president, Ichelle Awkuzu, the Isaaka of Igboland, addressing the group.

 

Celebrants celebrate at the Omambala Cultural Association’s Mother’s Day celebration on Sunday evening at the Igbo Catholic Community Hall in Houston.

 

Celebrants

“Mothers are the heartbeat of our homes and the foundation of our culture,” Awkuzu said, urging attendees to honor and support mothers every day, not just on special occasions.

The celebration included lively performances of traditional Igbo music and dance, homemade meals prepared by members, and the presentation of thoughtful gifts to each mother in attendance. Vice President Chief Ugochukwu Chukwuka, known as Omemma Igbo, also delivered remarks, recognizing the vital role of mothers in nurturing future generations.

Photo from left_ Vice President of the group, Chief Ugochukwu Chukwuka – Omemma Igbo, and the President, Ichelle Awkuzu, the Isaaka of Igboland.

The evening was filled with laughter, music, and shared memories, reinforcing the communal spirit that defines the Omambala Cultural Association. Elders and youth alike participated in storytelling sessions and interactive cultural activities, creating a multigenerational experience that underscored the importance of preserving Igbo heritage. Several attendees expressed appreciation for the sense of belonging and cultural pride the event fostered.

The Omambala Cultural Association Inc. is a community-based organization representing people from the Old Anambra Local Government Area in Anambra State, Nigeria. It remains committed to promoting cultural education, unity, and socio-economic development for Igbo people in the diaspora and beyond.

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