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We don’t receive illicit funds, drug money for sponsorship, IPOB replies Reuben Abati

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The Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Thursday replied a former Senior Special Adviser to former President Goodluck Jonathan, Mr Reuben Abati, that it is not a terror organisation that receives illicit funds and does not need drug money for its sponsorship.

It also told Mr Abati, that it maintains presence in over 100 countries of the world and gets its funding from the financial contributions and donations by members and, therefore, does not need drug money for funding.

Describing as false the alleged assertion by Mr Abati, that a certain drug peddler who was allegedly caught by security agents in Imo State, was IPOB fund raiser, the Biafra agitating group warned Mr Abati, to stop blackmailing it, saying that linking IPOB with a drug dealer or dealers is a big insult to the great people of Biafra.

A statement by IPOB’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, entitled, “Reuben Abati watch your utterances, Biafra project not funded by drug trafficker,” said that it has tried to ignore pockets of unwarranted attacks by Mr Abati against the group and its leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, but will no longer tolerate his insults.

IPOB statement read in part, “The attention of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, has been drawn to the malicious and fallacious assertion credited to Mr Reubben Abati, that a certain drug peddler who was said to have been caught by security agents in Imo State, was IPOB fund raiser.

“We have tried to ignore pockets of unwarranted attacks by Abati against IPOB and our leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, but we will no longer tolerate these insults. In case Reuben Abati and his likes do not know, IPOB is a global family and not a terror organization that receives illicit funds.

IPOB is legitimately funded by its teeming members most of who are very enterprising and resourceful sons and daughters of Biafra in the Diaspora. IPOB maintains its presence in over 100 countries of the world and gets its funding from the financial contributions and donations by members. It does not need drug money for funding.

“No single individual or drug dealer is sponsoring IPOB or the Biafra project. Biafra is a divine mandate which Chukwu Okike Abiama designed and asked Nnamdi Kanu and IPOB members to actualise.

“Reuben Abati linking IPOB with a drug dealer is a big insult to the great people of Biafra. Those close to him should advise him to refrain from his vituperations against IPOB as this can no longer be tolerated. IPOB is not desperate about funding otherwise we know what to do but funding has never been our challenge.

“Reuben Abati is interfering into IPOB matter much and it must bring him down because IPOB will ridicule him anytime soon, Mr Abati must leave IPOB and Nnamdi Kanu alone and face his business or he is going to meet his waterloo because God Alright Chukwu Okike Abiama is going to handle him.

“Abati hatred against Igbo people cannot change God’s wishes for Igbos. Reuben Abati with his family cannot match a single family in Igboland, he should stop envy and jealousy against those he knows that are bigger than him and his family. The God Almighty Chukwu Okike Abiama bless IPOB and Nnamdi Kanu, his hatred cannot change anything in our lives.

“Mr Abati’s derogatory statements against the great IPOB family cannot bring IPOB down because God Almighty, Chukwu Okike Abiama is behind us to deliver Biafrans.

“We recall that in 2017 Mr Abati was rejoicing and jubilating over the fate of our leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu after the Nigeria Army invaded his Afaraukwu. We wonder what is the business of Reuben Abati in the affairs of IPOB and Biafra struggle.

“Those who know him should tell him to stop castigating IPOB and writing junks about IPOB and its decision on Radio Biafra broadcaster, what is his business over IPOB decisions, is he a Biafran or Igbo man. Mr Abati, stay off Biafra affair or face the wrath of Biafrans.”

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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