Ifá: A Sacred Divination System

 

By Ifadola Ifadayo

Ifá is a sacred divination system practiced by the Yoruba people of Nigeria and other parts of West Africa, the Americas, and the Caribbean. It is deeply connected to Òrúnmìlà, the deity of wisdom and divination, who is believed to have revealed Ifá to humanity.

Key Aspects of Ifá Divination

1. The Ifá Oracle System

Ifá divination is performed by a Babaláwo (male priest) or an Ìyáláwo (female priestess), meaning "father/mother of secrets." These priests use Odu Ifá, a vast collection of wisdom, to interpret divine messages.

2. Tools of Ifá Divination

• Ọ̀pẹ̀lẹ̀ (Divination Chain) – A chain with four shells or seeds on each side, used for quick divination.
• Ìkìn (Palm Nuts) – Sixteen sacred palm nuts cast on a divination tray (Ọ̀pón Ifá) to reveal Odu Ifá.
• Ẹrìndínlógún (Sixteen Cowrie Shells) – Used mainly in related traditions for divination.

3. The Odu Ifá – Sacred Texts of Ifá

Ifá consists of 256 Odu (sacred verses), which hold the entire wisdom of the system. Each Odu contains poems, proverbs, and historical stories used to guide people in life.

4. How Ifá Divination Works

1. A person consults a Babaláwo for guidance.
2. The priest casts the divination chain or palm nuts.
3. The resulting Odu is interpreted based on the situation.
4. The person may be advised to perform a Ẹbọ (sacrifice/ritual) or take other spiritual actions.

5. Ifá and Destiny (Ori)

Ifá teaches that each person has an Ori (spiritual head/destiny) chosen before birth. Through Ifá divination, one can understand their destiny and take steps to align with it.

Ifá in Modern Times

Ifá is still widely practiced in Nigeria, Benin, Togo, Brazil (Candomblé), Cuba (Santería), and the U.S. It was recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2005 due to its deep cultural and spiritual significance.

Lagos State Government Approves N500 Million Subsidy to Reduce Food Prices

By Yekini Agbojulogun 

Lagos, Nigeria – January 30, 2025 – In a bid to alleviate the burden of rising food prices on residents, the Lagos State Government has announced the approval of a N500 million subsidy aimed at reducing the cost of essential food items. The initiative, which seeks to stabilize food prices across the state, is expected to benefit millions of Lagosians grappling with inflationary pressures in the country.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in a statement issued on Tuesday, revealed that the subsidy would be directed towards key food items such as rice, beans, maize, and vegetable oil, among others. According to the Governor, the government’s decision was motivated by the urgent need to ensure food security and improve the standard of living for Lagos residents, particularly those in low-income communities.

"Over the past few months, many families have struggled with escalating food prices, which has created hardship for a large segment of our population. The N500 million subsidy is part of our broader strategy to cushion the impact of inflation and ensure that food remains affordable and accessible to all," Governor Sanwo-Olu stated.

The subsidy will be disbursed through various state-run outlets and markets, including designated food distribution centers and local vendors, who will sell subsidized goods at reduced rates. Authorities have emphasized that the initiative will focus on creating a direct link between the government’s efforts and Lagosians in need, making sure that the subsidy reaches its target beneficiaries.

Food inflation has been one of the most pressing issues in Nigeria, as the cost of basic commodities has surged due to factors such as increased fuel prices, supply chain disruptions, and adverse weather conditions affecting agricultural production. The impact has been particularly severe in Lagos, a major urban hub where many residents depend on affordable food for their daily sustenance.

This move by the Lagos State Government follows similar initiatives by other states and the federal government, aimed at addressing Nigeria’s ongoing economic challenges. Experts have welcomed the subsidy but urged that it should be part of a broader, long-term strategy to address the root causes of food inflation.

Economist and policy analyst, Dr. Ngozi Adebayo, commended the Lagos government for the initiative, noting that “while this subsidy will provide temporary relief, there is also a need for greater investment in agricultural infrastructure and policies that support local food production to reduce Nigeria's reliance on imports.”

As the subsidy rolls out, residents of Lagos are hopeful that it will ease some of the pressure they face in the markets. However, they are also calling for sustained efforts from both state and federal governments to tackle the broader economic issues that continue to affect the cost of living in the country.

In the coming weeks, the state government is expected to release additional details on the operational framework for the subsidy distribution, including how vendors will be vetted and monitored to ensure transparency in the program.