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Police smash ‘fake employment’ syndicate, arrest NSCDC personnel in Calabar

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…parade 40 other for kidnapping , armed robbery

…we have made 4 million naira from job seekers so far …Suspect

The Cross River state police Command has smashed a job racketeering syndicate that specializes in duping unsuspecting job seekers into the Nigerian Customs Service ,NCS in Calabar.

Briefing newsmen on Tuesday at the Command Headquarters , Diamond Hill Calabar, the Commissioner of Police, CP Sikiru Akande said the police was now at the point of no return in terms of crime fighting.

According to him 41 suspects were arrested for various crime including Kidnapping ,Armed robbery ,fake employment syndicate amongst others.

Akande also hinted that the Command was bringing to the fore an all female tactical team with a special mandate to nip crime in the bud adding that they were evolving in their modus and would no longer wait to get distress calls before reacting.

His words :” It is indeed another remarkable moment today as our mandate of ridding the state of criminal elements as well as keeping you apprised about our stewardship has again become necessary .

“Within the period under review ,we arrested 41 suspects for sundry crime including Kidnapping , armed robbery , unlawful possession or firearms ,car theft , fake employment racketeering amongst others .

” We are no longer waiting for them( criminals) to commit crime ,we have adopted a more intelligent approach ,we have changed our modus operandi , we have gradually reduced crime in the state which is part of our mandate .

” We have warned all criminal elements residing in Cross River to relocate and this is yet a reminder , we have become more proactive in our approach,” he said

The Commissioner also lauded officers and men of the Command for their relentless efforts and precision in the discharge of their duty , he added that the new Dragon Commander and leader of Anti Kidnapping &Cultism Squad ,DSP Awodi has been exceptional as more criminals are being taken off the streets in Cross River.

Amongst those arrested were a group of kidnappers that abducted a legal practitioner, Endurance Egbara in February this year while demanding 100 million as ransom for her release.

While another “fake job” syndicate that ply their trade in Calabar / Lagos were amongst the 41 person’s arrested .

The trio specialise in defrauding unsuspecting members of the public by posing as Nigerian Customs Service recruitment officers .

Speaking with Vanguard ,the leader of the alleged Fake employment syndicate, 31 year old Sunita John Bassey said she joined the business in February of 2020 and she has made about 4 million naira from the business.

” I am a pharmacist ,and I been involved in this business for over a year now , but most of the proceeds I received was paid to other members of my team I’m not really the person taking the money,” she said.

On her part, the civil Defence Officer( Volunteer) ,Martina Eneji who was allegedly involved in car theft said she was not aware that her son bought a stolen car( Toyota Camry with Reg number ; UDU 333AA) last year November , as she was looking for a buyer to sell to car to before she was arrested by a patrol team.

Item recovered include ,a Toyota Camry ,five locally pistols ,face mask and drugs suspected to be cocaine, two locally made riffles and eleven live cartridges two bags armoured cables, fifteen spanners of different sizes and four knots, thirty four wraps of Arizona, ten wraps of weed (Indian hemp).

Culled from the Vanguard 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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