By Charity Nginyu
In a recent statement issued by His Royal Majesty Fon Ngum IV, concerns over the abuse and misuse of traditional titles have been raised within the Oku community.
Addressing the public via his official Facebook handle, the Fon expressed grave concern over the sudden surge of individuals proclaiming themselves as title holders without proper authorization.
‘It has come to notice that several persons have suddenly proclaimed themselves as title holders ranging from appellations such as Shey, Ebchuo Shey, Yaah, Ebchuofai, Bantock, Tantoh just to name a few of such abusive use of titles,’ the Fon stated.
Highlighting the significance of traditional titles within Oku society, the Fon emphasized that titles are bestowed singularly by the Kwifon and the Fon of Oku, and no individual has the authority to self-proclaim or upgrade existing titles.
Furthermore, the Fon highlighted the importance of upholding noble character and behavior among title holders, stating, ‘Title holders are supposed to
be noble in their characters and actions, including behavior. This is what sets the premise for norms and standards within the context of the Oku Society and this must be respected.’
In light of these concerns, His Royal Majesty Fon Ngum IV issued the following directives:
The practice of self-proclamation of titles should cease immediately; All current traditional title holders should adhere to the original title nomenclature as proclaimed by the Kwifon or the Fon and display exemplary lifestyles to sustain the dignity of Oku culture and tradition.
The Traditional Institutions will take drastic measures should the abuse, misuse, and self-proclamation of titles continue to trend.
The Fon concluded by reaffirming the importance of wisdom and stewardship among titleholders, stating, ‘They are supposed to listen more and speak less. This is the foundation of wisdom and our customs put a lot of emphasis on this.’
Source: Cameroon News Agency
Addis Ababa: The Ethiopian Airlines Group hosted an Iftar Dinner program for Muslim community and diplomatic representatives tonight in the capital Addis Ababa.
Iftar, held at the Skylight Hotel, brought together dignitaries from various embassies, diplomatic missions and the Muslim community residing in the capital as well as prominent figures of the Muslim community and government officials.
Accordingly, the Iftar program was attended by Ethiopian Airlines Group leadership, including CEO Mesfin Tasew, Ethiopian Islamic Affairs Supreme Council President Haji Ibrahim Tofa, government officials and diplomats.
The Iftar Dinner program hosted by Ethiopian Airlines, the largest network operating carrier in Africa to express its appreciation for the Muslim faithful and commitment to fostering interfaith cooperation, it was learned.
Source: Ethiopian News Agency
Three male members of the Namibian Defence Force (NDF) deployed to work in the Mangetti National Park in the Kavango West Region, were arrested for alleged poaching.
According to a weekend crime report of the Namibian Police Force (NamPol) in the region on Sunday, the army soldiers aged 28, 37 and 40, are alleged to have poached a Kudu, Eland, and Wildebeest, and were found in possession of bags containing dried meat by the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism Park officials.
It is further alleged that the suspects used service rifles to commit the crime and made biltong out of the wild animals. The meat is valued at N.dollars 22 450.
They are expected to appear in the Rundu Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
In an unrelated incident at Rundu, two girls aged three and seven died Sunday afternoon after they reportedly drowned in a pond, which resulted from sand mining activities along the Kavango River flood plain.
‘Their mother was reportedly fishing nearby while the children were playing,’ it read.
I
t is alleged that the girls got scared of cattle that were roaming nearby and ran into the pond. Their bodies have been taken to the Rundu State Hospital mortuary.
Police investigations into both matters continue.
Source: The Namibia Press Agency