By Mmaduabuchi Onwumelu
The fast rising Academy in the Southeast Geopolitical Zone, Gran Hermano Academy (GHA), Awka, on Wednesday, 6th December 2023 paraded round the city of Awka the Anambra State Capital with a call on Ndi Anambra to identify with the Academy. The parade was part of the activities lined-up for the 10th Year Anniversary Celebration of the Academy billed to hold on Friday, 8th December 2023.
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After a series of delays, the Dangote Refinery, a mammoth $19 billion project in Nigeria, is finally poised to commence fuel production as the first crude shipment arrives at the facility, marking a significant milestone for the country’s oil industry.
Quoting industry sources and tanker tracking data, S&P Global, in a report on its website, spglobal.com, said that the OTIS tanker, carrying a 950,000 barrel cargo of Nigeria’s Agbami crude, set sail on December 6 and is currently en route to Lekki, the nearest land port to Dangote’s offshore crude receiving terminal.
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By Pat Onukwuli
Famed for being an economic and commercial powerhouse and boasts of hosting Africa’s largest market in terms of geographical size and volume of goods, Onitsha is the jewel nestled on the banks of the majestic River Niger.
by Ejike Anyaduba
Foremost Nigerian Trade Unionist and community leader, Comrade David Ojeli, recently died at the age of 90 and will be buried Dec 9, 2023.
Ojeli was a Labour leader of note who fought many battles and led several agitations for better working conditions of the Nigerian workers. He was fearless and committed to the workers almost to the point of denying himself. A shrewd negotiator, he was hardly intimidated by the state into settling for less of the workers' demands. Quite consistent, he carefully shunned episodic moments when agitating for the rights of workers as has become common in the Union struggle over the years. In fact, Ojeli’s time as the national president of the Nigerian Civil Service Union (NSCU), which spanned the period between 1977 and 1986, was perhaps the most glorious in the lives of the Nigerian civil servants.
Youths from Nsugbe Community in Anambra East Local Government Area of Anambra State on Tuesday, besieged the Anambra State Government House in Awka, in protest over the gruesome murder of two youths from the community, allegedly by the neighbouring Umueri Community.
The Executive Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, has appointed Professor Kate Azuka Omenugha as the acting Vice Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, COOU.
Kenechukwu Ofomah
Awka
The dilapidated Student Union Government SUG complex of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, being renovated by the Anambra State Youth Commander, Hon Gabriel Chukwunwendu has been completed and commissioned.
The Anambra State Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, NYCN, Surveyor Amb. Obi Emeka Chukwudi believes Anambra State needs the frugality and financial prudence of Governor Chukwuma Soludo, considering its present fiscal condition.
By
National crowdsourcing innovation is set to open on 21st November, 2023 with a focus on social innovations which educate and empower women to make informed health decisions on prenatal care and child immunisation.
The programme, which will close on 20th December, 2023, is powered by Social Innovation in Health Initiative (SIHI) Nigeria Hub in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (FMSTI) and the Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR).
Ozor Nweke disclosed this in chat with newsmen at the corporate headquarters of the outfit in Awka on Tuesday.
Kenechukwu Ofomah
Awka
After eighteen years of neglect and abandonment, succor has finally come the way of the dilapidated Student Union Government SUG complex of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Giant House.
This is as the Anambra Youth Commander and Chairman/ CEO of Pool King Global Investment Limited, Hon. Gabriel Chukwunwendu, has commenced the renovation of the structure.
The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) has confirmed the escape of abducted resident doctor attached to the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu State, Dr Orockarrah Orock.
It was learnt that Orock attached to the Anesthesia Department of UNTH was on Saturday night kidnapped within the hospital premises, while on call duty.
The Police Command in Enugu State has arrested no fewer than 53 criminal male suspects for various offences while recovering firearms, ammunition and others exhibits in the state.
The police covered the following items which included: 28 firearms of assorted calibers, 30 live ammunition, 66 live cartridges, 25 vehicles and 16 motorcycles from the suspects arrested in various parts of the state.
...Calls for Accountability
By Mmaduabuchi Onwumelu
The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), has elected a new leadership
The election was held in Awka during the Annual General Conference of the group.
The following members of the Organization emerged as Members of the National Executive Committee. :
1 Comrade Dr Prince Kehinde Taiga Natural President.
By Mmaduabuchi Onwumelu
In a significant move to guarantee support for the full digitization of appropriation processes for the 2024 Anambra State Budget, the State ICT Agency has initiated a drive to speed up the configuration of official emails for state workers.
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By Mmaduabuchi Onwumelu
The immediate past Deputy Majority Leader of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emeka Aforka, KSC, Jp, has showered encomiums on the Executive Governor of Anambra State ,Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR, on his recent inauguration of the Special Anti-touting Squad, SASA, and the investiture of graduands of the state's '1 youth 2 skills' Programme of the, Light of the Nation, Anambra State of Nigeria.
Endorses Agenda
By Mmaduabuchi Onwumelu
The Executive Governor of Anambra State, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, last Saturday, alongside top government functionaries, power brokers, Captains of industry, technocrats, job creators attended the Solution Team Organization Anambra Central Zonal Mega Rally in Awka , Anambra State Capital.
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APGA National Chairman, others to attend NUJ press week on Thursday
...as Igwe Onyido recieves honour as Anambra 2023 NUJ Man of The Year
By Mmaduabuchi Onwumelu
Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, the Speaker Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze, and the Chief Judge of Anambra State, Hon. Justice Onochie Anyachebelu are expected to attend the 2023 Press Week , Media summit and Anambra NUJ Man of The Year Award ceremony of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ Anambra State Council in Awka on Thursday ,2nd November 2023.
Endorses Agenda
By Mmaduabuchi Onwumelu
The Executive Governor of Anambra State, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, last Saturday, alongside top government functionaries, power brokers, Captains of industry, technocrats, job creators attended the Solution Team Organization Anambra Central Zonal Mega Rally in Awka , Anambra State Capital.
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APGA National Chairman, others to attend NUJ press week on Thursday
...as Igwe Onyido recieves honour as Anambra 2023 NUJ Man of The Year
By Mmaduabuchi Onwumelu
Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, the Speaker Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze, and the Chief Judge of Anambra State, Hon. Justice Onochie Anyachebelu are expected to attend the 2023 Press Week , Media summit and Anambra NUJ Man of The Year Award ceremony of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ Anambra State Council in Awka on Thursday ,2nd November 2023.
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Justice Nicholas Oweibo of the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos on Wednesday struck out a charge filed by the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria, (AMCON) against Senator Ifeanyi Patrick Uba and his company, Capital Oil and Gas limited over an alleged N135 Billion indebtedness.
The judge struck out the charge following an oral application by AMCON's Counsel, Oluwaseun Onabowu seeking a withdrawal of the case.
At the last sitting in June this year, the court had directed that criminal summons be issued on Senator Ubah and his company.
On Wednesday, counsel to the complainant informed the court that consent Judgements had been reached in related cases in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, and therefore urged that the charges filed against the Defendants be struck out.
Counsel to the Defendants, Ifeoma Esom also confirmed to the court that agreements have been reached with the complainant.
Consequently, Justice Oweibo in a bench ruling struck out the change.
The charges as stated in the amended charge number FHC/L383/C/2019 read;
"That you, Ifeanyi Patrick Ubah, and Capital Oil and Gas Industries Limited, sometimes between 2012 and 2018, in Nigeria and within the jurisdiction of this honourable Court, conspired together in making false claims in relation to the actual values of certain assets transferred to Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) under the Consent Judgment delivered in Suit No FHC/L/CS/714/2012 - AMCON v. Capital Oil and Gas Industries Limited & Mr. Ifeanyi Patrick Ubah on the 1st day of July, 2013 in partial payment of the indebtedness of Capital Oil and Gas Industries Limited with a view to defeating the realisation of the said judgment debt of Capital Oil and Gas Industries Limited to AMCON then standing in the sum of 135Billion Naira contrary to Section 54(1)(a) and (d) of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria Act, 2010 (as amended) and punishable under the same Section of the Act.
"That you, Ifeanyi Patrick Ubah, and Capital Oil and Gas Industries Limited, sometimes between 2012 and 2018 in Nigeria and within the jurisdiction of this honourable Court, being guarantor and debtor respectively, negligently, wilfully or recklessly made a statement or gave information knowing it to be false in relation to the actual values of the assets transferred to AMCON under the Consent Judgment delivered in Suit No. FHC/L/CS/714/2012 -AMCON v. Capital Oil and Gas Industries Limited & Mr. Ifeanyi Patrick Ubah on the 1st day ofJuly, 2013 in partial satisfaction of the outstanding loan of N135 Billion Naira owed to AMCON contrary to Section 54(2) of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria Act, 2010 (as amended)and punishable under the same Section of the Act.
"That you, Ifeanyi Patrick Ubah and Capital Oil and Gas Industries Limited, sometimes between 2012 and 2018 in Nigeria and within jurisdiction of this honourable did obstruct
the implementation of the provisions of the AMCON Act vis-avis the realisation of part of your outstanding debt of 135Billion Naira by frustrating the sale of of the landed property at banana island to Dayspring Development Company Limited,which property you both transferred to AMCON by virtue of consent judgement delivered by this honourable court on the 1st day of July,2013 in suit No FHC/CS/714/2012-AMCON V Capital Oil and Gas Industries Limited &Mr. Ifeanyi Patrick Ubah and which act is contrary to Section(5)of the Asset Management Corporation ar Nigeria Act, 2010 (as amended) and punishable under the same Section of the Act.
"That you, Ifeanyi Patrick Ubah and Capital Oil and Gas Industries Limited sometimes between 2018 and 2019 in Nigeria and within the jurisdiction of this honourable Court, did fraudulently convert the loan given to Capital Oil and Gas Industries Limited (the company) and the proceeds derived there from under a direction that same be invested in the company's business to funding campaign for the election of you, Ifeanyi Patrick Ubah, into the Anambra South Senatorial District seat of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in 2018 - 2019, and which act is contrary to Section 383(2) and punishable under Section 390 both of the Criminal Code Act, Cap C38 of the Laws of the Federation of Nigeria.
"That you, Ifeanyi Patrick Ubah and Capital Oil and Gas Industries Limited sometimes between 2011 and 2019 in Nigeria and within the jurisdiction of this honourable Court, being mortgagors of properties listed In the Consent Judgment of this honourable Court in Suit No. FHC/L/CS/714/2012 - AMCON V. Capital Oil and Gas Industries Limited & Mr. Ifeanyi Patrick Ubah, with intent to induce Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) to accept the title offered with respect to the said properties and with intention to defraud, concealed from the said AMCON instruments material to titles to the said properties which you subsequently failed to produce and thereby committed an offene contrary to Section 423 of the Criminal Code Act and punishable under the same Section of the Act".
The management of Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) has charged its staff to raise the benchmark to ensure continuous optimal quality service delivery to its esteemed customers in the South-East.
The Africa Center for Entrepreneurship and Information Development (ACEIDEV), an NGO, has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to advancing the proposed Enugu State Public Health Securities Bill through vital advocacy visits.
The leader of the ACEIDEV team, Mr. James Ugochukwu, gave the assurance after two pivotal advocacy visits to stakeholders in Enugu State on Tuesday to press for the successful passage of the Bill.
The Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, CP Kanayo Uzuegbu, has tasked the University of Port-Harcourt (UNIPORT) Alumni Association on contributing to security and peace in the country.
Uzuegbu gave the task on Wednesday when he received and interacted with the leadership of the Anambra and Enugu Chapters of the University of Port-Harcourt Alumni Association, led by Dr Ozo Anikwe, in his office in Enugu.
The Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, CP Kanayo Uzuegbu, has tasked the University of Port-Harcourt (UNIPORT) Alumni Association on contributing to security and peace in the country.
Uzuegbu gave the task on Wednesday when he received and interacted with the leadership of the Anambra and Enugu Chapters of the University of Port-Harcourt Alumni Association, led by Dr Ozo Anikwe, in his office in Enugu.
The South East Zone of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has expressed interest in aligning with the administration of Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State in its transformative agenda of expanding the state's gross domestic product (GDP) from.the current $4.4 billion to $30 billion in the next four to eight years.
Gov. Peter Mbah of Enugu State has lauded President Bola Tinubu for ensuring safety and stability in all road within the country before now bedeviled by criminal activities.
Mbah, who was represented by the state Commissioner for Transport, Mr Obi Ozo, said this at the Passing-Out Parade of the 2023 Cadet Officers Basic Course at Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Academy, Udi on Friday.
The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) has taken electrical safety awareness to schools to sensitise students on the dangers of improper use of electricity appliances, wires and other inputs/outputs devices.
The sensitisation of the company to schools in Enugu metropolis is in continuation of its activities for the ongoing annual Customer Service Week (CSW) as well as in keeping with its customer education and safety awareness initiative.
The Umu-Igbo Unite Care, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), has built a 10-room toilet facilities and overhead water tanks for Trans-Ekulu Girls Secondary School, Enugu, to end open defecation in the school.
The Project Coordinator of the NGO in Enugu, Miss Faith-Victor Onyekwere, disclosed this during the inauguration of the facilities at the school.
The Anambra State Chapter of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, NYCN on Wednesday, took delivery of multiple Point of Sales, PoS machines, donated by the a real estate businessman, Chief Loveday Okechukwu Okoli.
The Facilitator of Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA II) Project, Mr Collins Nebo, has advocated that projects in communities must be people’s demand-driven for wider impact and usage by residents.
Nebo made the call on Wednesday in Enugu at the Community Accountability Committee Town-Hall Meeting of the Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA II) being organised by the South Saharan Social Development Organisation (SSDO) and Actionaid Nigeria.
The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) says that reviewed entrepreneurship and skills development curricula was meant to give students pre-requisite knowledge of creating job and being employs of labour after school.
The Executive Secretary of NBTE, Prof. Idris Bugaje, said this on Wednesday in Enugu during a National Workshop on the Reviewed Entrepreneurship and Skills Development Curricula for Entrepreneurship Educators in Nigeria Polytechnics and Similar Institutions.
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Chief Hycienth Ngwu, former South-East Publicity Secretary of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), says Nigeria has the capacity to be the pride of the human race.
Ngwu, a founding member of the APC, said this on Thursday in Enugu to journalists while reflecting on the nation’s 63rd Independence Anniversary and the prospect of a great nation.
It would be recalled that Nigeria, as a nation, celebrates her Independence Anniversary yearly on Oct. 1.
Alumni from Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) have pledged to use their connections to attract funds nationally and internationally to UNN, their alma mater, for rapid infrastructural development
Dr Ejike Oji, a Guest Lecturer and an Alumus, made the pledge in Nsukka on Friday when the alumni members paid a courtesy visit to Vice-Chancellor of UNN, Prof Charles Igwe, in his office.
The Chairman of Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area in Enugu State, Prince Ejike Itodo, on Wednesday announced the creation of a special office for security and youth matters.
“This special office is to ensure lasting peace and tranquility in the council area”, Itodo made the announcement during the local government prayer/security summit held at the council headquarters in Enugu-Ezike.
A popular Gospel Singer, Buchi Atuonwu, popularly known as Buchi, has urged the public to disregard rumour making the rounds in the social media that he has passed on.
Buchi, the global acclaimed gospel singer, refuted the rumour in a telephone interview with newsmen in Enugu on Wednesday.
Maj.-Gen. Hassan Dada, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, has charged officers and soldiers of 13 Brigade Nigerian Army to be disciplined and professional always.
“Troop must continue to have an unalloyed loyalty in the discharge of their constitutional role,” Dada charged while addressing the troops during his operational visit to 13 Brigade’s Akim Barracks, Calabar.
The Enugu State Fire Service, on Monday, celebrated restoration of water supply after four years of operating without water supply in its main office in Enugu.
The Director, Enugu State Fire Service, Mr Okwudiri Ohaa, who led the celebration in a viral video, told newsmen in Enugu that Gov. Peter Mbah had made the job of fire-fighting simpler in the state.
Chief Hycienth Ngwu, former South-East Publicity Secretary of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), says that “Presidential Election Petition Tribunal (PEPT) judgment is a reflection of wishes of majority of Nigerians”.
Ngwu said this to journalists in Enugu on Thursday while reacting to the PEPT Judgment which reaffirms the victory of President Bola Tinubu as the winner of the Feb. 18, 2023, Presidential Election.
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Festus Adedayo
Prof Akinwumi Isola’s Efunsetan Aniwura (1981), his first play written in 1961-62 while he was a student at the University of Ibadan, is highly celebrated. It is a historical drama which reflects proceedings of the 19th century reign of the heroine, second Iyalode (Queen of women) of Ibadan, Efunsetan Aniwura. Aniwura – one with a surplusage of gold – a fiery, Egba-born but wealthy Ibadan slave owner and merchant, held the title from 1867 – 1874. The unwritten law among the coffle of slaves she kept was that no female slave must get pregnant. Thus, when Adetutu, one of her female slaves was audacious enough to get impregnated by a fellow slave called Itawuyi, upon hearing the news, Efunsetan’s immediate but fierce retort was, afefe ti fe, a ti ri’di adiye! Translated, it means, the wind has blown and the hidden rump of the fowl has been exposed.
By Ejike Anyaduba
Divine Rays British School (DRBS) Obosi, Anambra State, may not easily provoke the attention accorded a few schools presumed to be the best in Nigeria perhaps because of its relative newness. But the school which is barely six years old has no less grooming skill than the best, and has since attained academic grandeur yet to be equaled by any of its contemporaries. In fact, the achievements of schools its age if pitted against the DRBS's, easily pale in comparison.
The South-East Coordinator of NEMA, Mrs Ngozi Echeazu, disclosed this to newsmen in Enugu on Monday, while fielding questions on NEMA’s practical steps to contain and reduce impact of flooding in the zone.
Members of Association of Tricycle Riders Transport Union (ATRTU) Enugu State have given a vote-of-confidence on its current Chairman, Mr Sunday Ozeh, for his exemplary and people-focused leadership.
The ATRTU union members also gave a vote-of-confidence on its current Board Chairman, Mr Benjamin Ikah, for his exemplary fatherly guidance and peaceful disposition.
WaterAid Nigeria and South Saharan Social Development Organisation (SSDO) have presented “A Pillar of Water Sector Award” to Gov. Peter Mbah of Enugu State for his visionary focus on water provision.
Evelyn Mere, Country Director of WaterAid Nigeria, presented the award on behalf of the NGOs during the inauguration of the 20,000-litre motorized borehole in Ukwuinyi community of Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area (LGA) of Enugu State on Saturday.
Amb. Bianca Ojukwu, Wife of Late Igbo Leader, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has reiterated the call for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, who a competent court have declared free.
Ojukwu made the call during her keynote address at the Annual National Conference and Convention of the American Veterans of Igbo Descent (AVID) in Dallas, Texas in USA.
A cleric, Rev. Fr. Cyril Ozioko, has urged Christians to imbibe virtues of forthrightness and truth in order to build a community and neighbourhood of reconciliation and peace.
Ozioko gave the charge during a homily on Sunday at the First Solemn Mass of Thanksgiving of newly ordained, Rev. Fr. Samuel Ali, held at the St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Umuopu in Enugu-Ezike community in Enugu State.
The mass featured Owelle Ejikeme Odumegwu Foundation (OEOF) donation and presentation of a brand new car to the newly ordained, Rev. Fr. Ali.
The OEOF Foundation also instituted a scholarship scheme for two fresh senior seminary students from Umuopu in Enugu-Ezike community and a monthly stipend of N100,000 for the parish priest of St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Umuopu, Rev. Fr. Stanislaus Ugwu.
Ozioko, who spoke on the sidelines of the theme: “What About Your Own Faith”, said that the Christian faith is about the ministry of reconciliation and peaceful co-existence.
The cleric noted that a true child of God would not tear or scatter people apart but always help to pull people together
According to him, by being instrument of peace and reconciliation, it will be clear to the great witness of people around us that we are truly of Him and duly follow Jesus Christ footsteps.
“We must be peace builders as Christians and ensure we truly reconcile people around us, who live in hate and disagreement especially on temporal things or issues of this passing World,” he said.
The cleric also urged the faithful to continue in their prayers of faith as well as good work as they await a progressive and prosperous nation.
“With faith in God, everything is possible especially to him who truly believes.
“We must drop fear, negative perception and notion but face the future with positive faith that things must surely get well.
“When we trust God, we should do it whole-heartedly. As the Lord that called us unto righteousness and truth is always faithful on His own part,” he said.
For the newly ordained Rev. Fr. Ali, the cleric urged him to stand out in his priestly duties, work of charity and mercy towards everybody around him especially the Christian community.
“Remember, you have been consecrated for life; and you must focus on your ministry and reflect on it daily.
”You must be patient, listen to people, be humble, do not get greedy, and wait for God’s personal uplift,” he advised.
Responding, the newly ordained, Rev. Fr. Samuel Ali, thanked everyone that came for the thanksgiving as well as OEOF foundation for the donation of a brand new car to him and other donations to the Church.
Ali, who was consecrated from the Holy Ghost Fathers Order, said: “I am overwhelmed with you great show of love to me and my new ministry and I assure you that by God’s willing, your prayers and support; I continue to make you proud”.
Speaking, the Founder of Owelle Ejikeme Odumegwu Foundation (OEOF), Dr Ejikeme Odumegwu, said that his foundation was poised to assist the Church to achieve a holistic socio-cultural and religious transformation of the people.
Odumegwu, who is also the Owelle of Nsukka, said: “Before now, the foundation has renovated all the police stations in Enugu State and given numerous educational and skill empowerment scholarships to many youths in Enugu State.
“The foundation has off-set hospital bills of indigent sick patients in various hospitals and supported some churches building construction with thousands of bags of cement among others.”
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Festus Adedayo
When death became ubiquitous and cheap as air, afflicting the young and the old in their scores, Yoruba of old said it had become three-for-a-penny. There was what they called iyo olo’kan (one-penny salt). Ookan was a penny and the least of the denominations of the money of the time. A mound of salt was sold for a penny. Death that harvested people in their prime, unannounced, they also likened to creepy, parasitic mistletoe – afomo. It is a leathery-leaved parasitic plant which grows on apple, oak, and other broadleaf trees in the forest and also sticks to trees, either of cocoa or kolanut. Farmers watch out for an afomo on their crash crops because, the moment a tree gets infested with it, it is on its way to barrenness. While the mistletoe has no root of its own, it bores roots inside the trunk of its host and starves the tree of nutrients.
