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Zuma Rock: One of Nigeria’s popular tourist centres

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The first time | saw this rock was when i was still a child it was on a naira note, when i asked what this place was | was told different stories. I was too young to see it so i decided at one point to actually go there myself and when i went there based on the stories of evil spirit, kidnappers even heard that there’s a place underneath this rock were you can never come out of. I was scared but with the help of brave friends i was able to follow them believing they’d either save me or I can use them as a shield since they’re fatter than I was. During the tour i didn’t find and supernatural there, no evil spirit I was told to wait till night but i won’t, i still had much to live for.

Most Nigerians and tourist know about this spectacular natural monument. It is mostly know as a mountain but what most Nigerians and tourist do not know are the legends and history behind this mountain.

It is known that this rock is located in Niger State, Nigeria. This same rock was so majestic that it was on Nigeria’s currency, the Zuma Rock was on the old 100 naira note, that’s how known it was but what you didn’t know is this Rock has a history.

The mythical and legendary story that surrounds the rock is that locals have said the rock was used for a defensive retreat by the Gbagyi people against invading neighboring tribes during intertribal wars. It is a rock that possesses facial features with natural contours on the surface which depict the image of a human face with a visible mouth, eyes, and nose.

The natives of the community believe the face represents the deity and ancestral powers protecting and governing the affairs of the community.

The Gbagyi people also acknowledge the rock as a gateway for the afterlife. It is believed that when people die, their spirits go to the rock. Mysteriously, the rock catches fire during the rainy season. The apex of the rock often catches fire and the Natives attest the happenings to the wonders of the deities and voodoo spells.

This rock is old and was found in the 15″ century by the Zuba people of Niger State. This rock had a name, Zuma which translates to “a place of guinea fowls.” It had been known that by the 15″ century the Kwararafa (Kororofa) had started to spread all over the northern areas of Nigeria.

The forefathers spread from the Kwararafa empire, travelled to the western direction through Lafia (but Lafia was not there as at that time), then through Keffi area (but there was nothing like Keffi as at that time), then into the old Abuja area which was not in existence then too.

But before they reached the Zuma Rock, their soothsayers told them that they are not to settle down permanently until they reached one wonderful rock, far ahead of them.

They continued to move approaching the Zuma rock till they came to meet the Zuma rock in the middle of a thick forest. When they entered into the forest, they settled within a mile radius around it. The Zuma Rock was the cause of spread during its time it was also acknowledged as a place of prophecy.

Zuma Rock is not only a geological marvel but also a site steeped in local folklore and legends. According to the Gwari people, the indigenous inhabitants of the surrounding area, Zuma Rock holds profound spiritual significance. One prevalent legend among the Gwari people posits that Zuma Rock is a deity, acting as a protective guardian for those residing in its shadow. There were even people who believed it had healing powers some individuals claim to have experienced remarkable recoveries after praying or visiting the site. These beliefs enriched the overall significance of Zuma Rock beyond its geological features.

Apart from this testimony there was a saying that deep within the dense forest there was a village inhabited by the Koro people overseen by their chief who serves as the priest of the rock’s deity. This deity was a small rock within the village where sacrifices were believed to occur. The inhabitants were said to protect and prevent ‘outsiders’ from reaching it. At some point in time it was believed that the village was hidden (e don tum garden of Eden). Historical, the Emir of Abuja sent sacrifices, a black ox, a black goat and a black dog to the guardian of the rock as offerings.

Modern day mysteries Several centuries down the line, Zuma Rock still has multiple mysterious stories woven around it. Some natives have tales of unseen evil spirits dwelling in the belly of the rock. Others regard it as a den for ritualists, a hidden temple for initiation into the world of the occult and an abode for dare — devil armed robbers who seek temporary refuge there whenever the conclude a successful operation and want to share their loot or when security agencies are on their trail. Not far from the rock , is an uncompleted white edifice known as the Zuma Rock Hotel. Some residents of the area believe that the hotel was a haunted zone hence it was abandoned by its owners. In the course of exploring the area and trying to fixe the jig-saw puzzles of the rock , residents living within the radius of the rock gave varying accounts. Some are of the opinion that , the evil spirits had relocated, giving people a respite to now begin farming on the parcels of land near the rock. Yet, some residents said evil the spirits were still living in the bowels of the rock and do exhibit strange powers especially during odd hours of the night.

The Zuma Rock apart from a popular tourist centre it has been a god, a healer, a source of refuge, a prophetic place and many more if you ask me with the many names this Rock has been given it deserves a feature article about it.

ETIENAM CHRISTABELLE VIDA.

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Dufil Prima foods donates relief materials to indigent families in Abeokuta

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Dufil Prima Foods, makers of Indomie instant noodles, in partnership with the Human Rights and Grassroots Development Society, extended its goodwill to the shores of Abeokuta, Ogun state, at a product distribution event on Tuesday 24 April, where cartons of Indomie noodles were distributed to the underprivileged, as part of its ongoing efforts to support families worst hit by the ongoing economic hardship.

The event which saw a thousand vulnerable families go home with a carton of Indomie each, individuals present were also provided with cooked noodles to help relieve their immediate hunger. The outreach had in attendance members of the disabled community, orphans, widows, the elderly, pregnant women, and vulnerable families.

The outreach is in alignment with the brand’s goal to feed two million consumers across various cities and communities in Nigeria, by collaborating closely with recognized NGOs to ensure that only the most vulnerable persons in the various cities and communities are invited and given a carton of Indomie and a fresh bowl of the nourishing tasty noodles.

The event was graced with the presence of notable dignitaries including the representative of the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development in Ogun State, Mrs. Wonuola Kassim; the Ogun State Chapter Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Hammeed-Bello Aderinola; a representative of the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Superintendent Adeoye Adejoke Asake; the Chairman of the Ogun State Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), Venerable (Dr.) Samson Kunle Popoola, Chairman of the Peace Initiative Network, Dr. Femi Sodipo , and Trace PRO, CDR. Babatunde Akinbiyi, amongst others.

Mrs. Wonuola Kassim in her keynote address, commended the efforts of Dufil Prima Foods Ltd, and acknowledged that this was not the company’s first CSR initiative as she recalled that it had embarked on a similar venture in 2020.

“This program cannot be more timely than a time like this, when feeding becomes very difficult for most people. This is the kind of gesture which would linger for ages in the hearts of the beneficiaries. The objective of the palliative distribution is to alleviate the hardship faced by the citizens due to the recent removal of fuel subsidy by the Federal Government,” she said.

Speaking in the same vein, Popoola of the PCRC said, “We believe in PCRC that food security and eradication of hunger will go a long way in reducing the level of criminality in our society. What we have seen today is a conscious effort on the part of the organisers to see to the eradication of poverty, eradication of hunger and to support the food security initiative of the Government.”

Other dignitaries present also expressed their gratitude for Indomie and the organisers of the event, the Human Rights and Grassroots Development Society. They commended their efforts for taking the right steps to ensure that families across the country are catered for in these challenging times.

Indomie Instant Noodles remains steadfast in its quest to provide satisfaction and put smiles on the faces of families across Nigeria.

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LG electronics MEA leads with innovation in new home entertainment line-up

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LG Electronics, a global leader in consumer electronics, recently hosted its LG Showcase MEA 2024 at the Conrad Hotel in Abu Dhabi. With the overarching theme “Reinventing Together,” the event focused on showcasing the latest innovations and extending relationships with its stakeholders. Hosting over 500 esteemed guests, the event offered hands-on experience with its latest products.

A key focus area during the exhibition was LG’s line-up of home entertainment products, which ranges from its televisions, audio and gaming products.

Commenting on the event, Chief Executive Officer, LG MEA Region, Mr. Il Hwan Lee, said, “We design each product with the goal of enhancing the daily lives of our customers. This LG Showcase MEA 2024 event is a testament to this commitment, and we are proud to exhibit our flagship products today.

“Each of these home entertainment products are designed with practical innovations while keeping customer use-case requirements at heart, which aligns with our goal of creating a better life by elevating everyone’s entertainment experience and the interior of their homes.”

During the event, LG brought to the region its latest innovations in OLED technology; including its flagship 97-inch LG SIGNATURE OLED M, the world’s-first consumer TV with Zero Connect technology which enables the transfer of 4K video and audio, wirelessly at 120Hz.

This iconic feature resolves all cable management nightmares and allows for an uncluttered space by having all devices connected to the Zero Connect Box and positioned away from the TV.

Also featured during the event is LG’s innovative StanbyME Go, the 27-inch FHD smart screen that boasts a unique carry bag design that allows users to easily use them on-the-go. It keeps mobility in mind with its unique design and a built-in battery that lasts up to three hours of screen time. It comes with various connectivity options such as wireless mirroring and NFC, which can be activated with a simple tap.

The screen itself also rotates, giving users the option of a vertical or horizontal orientation. In addition to the streaming options, the screen is also ideal for listening to music with its turntable skin or for playing chess with the pre-installed Chess game. Customers can also control the unit through voice control, even from a distance. The unique design of the StanByME Go promises enhanced durability, keeping the screen safe from bumps, temperature fluctuations, low pressure, dust, salt fog and vibrations.

During the course of the event, LG also showcased its latest LG webOS which brings to the table a completely revamped home screen with wider title cards and smoother tiles for categories such as Game, Music and Home Office. The smart operating system, now celebrating its 10th anniversary, expanded into 300 TV brands and 3,500 content partners, including local partners and has an active user growth increase in the MEA region by 20 times.

LG also showcased its new á (Alpha )11 processor that will be used in its flagship TVs, one that will deliver powerful AI capabilities and enhance the overall viewing experience. This new processor is four times more powerful than its predecessor and will refine clarity, color and sharpness, as well as providing a 70 percent improvement in graphics performance and a 30 percent faster processing speed.

LG displayed its range of XBOOM speakers which deliver bold and loud sounds with strong bass and massive sound. For instance, the LG XBOOM XL9T, the most powerful-in-class party speaker, produces an immense sound of 1000W with booming bass and high notes. Additionally, the pixel art and multi color ring lights further step up the party. Its smaller variant, the LG XBOOM XL5S with a 200W output for powerful party music, complete with the series’ iconic party lighting.

Amongst these audio products, LG presented their portable speakers, such as the XBOOM Go XG8T, a 120W speaker with 15 hours of battery life. This on-the-go speaker not only packs a powerful punch in audio but can also boost sound further and turns up the party with its studio light feature. Also on display were the LG XBOOM Go XG7Q and the compact XG5S with a 30W output and 20W output respectively, which comes in a unique design with ambient lighting, perfect to set the mood. It is also IP67 rated, making it the perfect musical companion for the outdoors.

Additionally, LG showcased the LG TONE Fit TF7, which focuses primarily on comfort, convenience and immersive sound. The LG TONE Fit TF7 offers a superior fit for fitness enthusiasts, ensuring customers can focus solely on their workout without any distractions.

Featuring a patent-pending skirt shape hook, these earbuds offer optimized fit and usability for various outdoor activities. Apart from its superior sound quality, these earbuds are also focused on health, with the UVnano technology integrated into the earbuds’ cradle actively sanitises the ear gel surfaces, creating a more sanitary listening experience.

LG Electronics also showcased the LG CineBeam Q, the much awaited, stylish and smallest 4K portable projector from LG. This mighty 4K laser projector not only delivers stunning picture quality, but also a range of streaming features, while its minimalist design fits into any home design ethos.

This was all be topped off with LG’s innovations in monitors, with the new LG UltraGear™ OLED gaming monitor and LG MyView Smart Monitor.

The latest lineup of LG UltraGear OLED gaming monitors is a true testament to LG’s commitment to the gaming industry. Available in sizes of 32-inch (model 32GS95UE), 34-inch (model 34GS95QE) and 45-inch (model 45GS95QE), these OLED gaming monitors are the pinnacle of gaming displays, bringing in a true immersive experience.

The new 32GS95UE, the world’s first VESA certified Dual Mode gaming monitor, which enables it to switch between 4K (3840 x 2160) up to 240Hz and Full-HD (1920 x 1080) up to 480Hz with one simple click. It also comes with a range of other features such as the LG’s Pixel Sound technology, which projects sound directly from the display using vibrating film components built into the monitor itself.

Meanwhile, the LG MyView Smart Monitor, a must-have for productivity and entertainment even without having to connect to a PC, was showcased alongside. Available in sizes of 27-inches with FHD and 32-inches with 4K resolution, these smart monitors pack in LG’s webOS software along with support for AirPlay 2, ScreenShare and Bluetooth.

Designed for multi-tasking, this monitor will allow you to do your daily work, control home gadgets and even stream your favorite content, all from one display. Also, the 27SR50F is available in four color options (beige, pink, green) to cater to various tastes and seamlessly blend into any interior design.

What’s more, LG unveiled the LG MAGNIT (model LSAL006), a stunning 118-inch, 4K (3840 x 2160) resolution Micro LED display. Delivering unparalleled picture quality through the brilliance of Micro LED technology, the LG MAGNIT allows customers to enjoy complete viewing immersion in the comfort of their own spaces, be it personal or professional.

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Labour to picket airlines over non-unionisation stance

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The National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) on Monday said it would soon picket offices of airlines across the country that had disallowed their staff from joining trade unions.

The National President of NUATE, Mr Ben Nnabue, made the disclosure during the National Campaign for the Unionisation of Private Domestic Airlines in Nigeria during the week in Lagos.

Nnabue told the workers that the union had received the backing of the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) based in London on unionisation.

According to him, it is against labour law for some airlines to make employment conditioned upon not joining a trade union,

He said that those who threatened workers with sack if they joined unions were acting contrary to Nigerian laws.

Nnabue recalled that participants at the last global labour unions conference held in Singapore observed that a lot of organisations were not unionised.

He said that this was what informed the mandate to ensure that slave labour was eliminated on the African continent.

“In Nigeria, we have come to terms with the reality that the majority of our domestic airlines do not want their workers to join unions.

“While some have allowed their staff to unionise, other airlines, at the point of entrance, warn their staff against joining any trade union of their choice.

“We have been doing this for the past five years. We have reported to the ministers of labour and that of aviation.

“All of them have been promising us that something will be done, but you can’t be following up a project for five years; it means that they don’t want to do anything,” he said.

The union leader said that the international body in London was in support of their fight for unionisation.

“They also sent their regional Secretary, Comrade Itsafianu to come and monitor the process and also Comrade Dayo was sent from London to come see what we are doing about it.

“That shows how serious the global body views the decisions of our airlines not to allow their workers to join the trade unions.”

He warned that this was the last olive branch to be extended to them, saying that the next time, they would have to use what the laws allow them to use.

“We will picket them, but we have to exhaust all the channels of dialogue first, then we are at liberty to use the last resort, which is to picket those organisations,” he said.

The NUATE General Secretary, Mr Ocheme Aba, affirmed that it would be in the interest of airlines and organisations in the aviation sector to allow their workers to join the labour unions.

He said that no airline that had allowed its staff to join trade unions ever went under, apart from Nigeria Airways that was deliberately run down.

All the airlines that have gone under in the country were not unionised.

“An airline worker that is unionised, that has the backing of the union does not cut corners, they do not take orders from the owners to cut corners.

“They work according to the rules because if you give them a query, they will answer the query and if the company will carry out any action there is usually fair hearing, so they are protected.

“Those airlines that folded up are the ones that did not have any organised structure, no organised maintenance structure, no workforce structure, no director of administration, everything is one person in one office.

“That is why many of these people do not want unions, because they want to do things as they like.

“We must also understand that a worker who does not have negotiated terms of employment is just a paid slave,” he said.

Members of the union carried placards bearing inscriptions such as: ‘To belong to a trade union is a right, no negotiation;’ ‘The worker needs trade union protection,’ among others.

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