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The Senator Ned Nwoko,s frank talk on Okpai step down and Ogwashi Uku dam : perspectives to douse misgivings

The Senator Ned Nwoko,s frank talk on Okpai step down and Ogwashi Uku dam : perspectives to douse misgivings

By Andy Emephia

When a man, in his elected position , and unarguably his constituents voice, speaks up, it’s incontrovertible, unanimous and obvious

And it resonates. Clearly . No one in their elements , disputes a doyen of the Paris club refunds, less alone, a record breaking personality , who , like Collosus, made history for his country , in countless sojourns, to tall,, as the FIRST Nigerian, nay , African, to mount his country,s flag, the 13th human on earth , at the coldest Antarctica south pole region.

Distinguished Senator Ned Nwoko, the Senator representing Delta North Senatorial district , in the Nigerian senate , has come , seen, and , ultimately conquered

For a robust, brisk, and coordinated blue blood royalty, when Ned speaks, he does so without compunction. He knows his onions

The Senator has, as always , not been given to flippancy . His Anioma State bill which has elicited the most vitriolic of positive and negative admixture of reactions from a mixed grill of his kinsmen, has incontrovertibly , become a reference point in legislative representation

Gliding as it were, to a prism of glee, in addition to furtherance of set goals , the ldumuje Ugboko born Prince , seems to have spoken truth to power in defence if his mandate as Senator of the federal Republic , representing Delta North.

Ned is strident, unapologetic, primed , and determined, to , in a hurry , ensure his campaign promises , to wit, the step down, via a 100mefawatts diadem , of the Okpai in Ndokwa West Local government lndependent Power Plant ( IPP) facility, is actualized , so that the entire Anioma nation he represents, is lit up.

Not done , Ned is clear that , the most economically viable but abandoned Ogwashi Uku dam, in Aniocha South, which, to all intents and purposes, will engender rapid agricultural fortunes in the communities around per food sustenance , sees the light of day

A clearly focused Senator of Ned,s clout, for a personality as enlightened as this blue blood Prince to speak truth to power, clearly identifies him as a true representative of the Aniomas he represents

Ned , as he is popularly called, is self made, a loyal party man, for the avoidance of doubt. Ned it was , who saw , with his resources , emergence of the immediate past Governor , Senator Dr lfeanyi Okowa, as Deputy Chairman of then PDP Council , with Professor Sam Oyovbaire , as Chairman.

Same Ned , expended his personal resources, again, without prodding, to ensure the emergence of incumbent Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori

It’s not out of place to accord the only PDP Senator in Delta State , the trust and respect he deserves.

Ned Nwoko is an unrepentant good man, a die hard empathizer who believes in fairness and equity. PDP is blessed to have him.

Delta Land Dispute: Mulade Cautions Against Selling Of Benikrukru Land

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Delta Land Dispute: Mulade Cautions Against Selling Of Benikrukru Land

 

A Gbaramatu Kingdom, born and renowned Global Peace Ambassador/Development  Advocate, Comrade Chief Mulade Sheriff, has called on the good and peace loving people of Benikrukru Community in ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South-West Local of Delta State to kindly desist and avoid laying a wrong precedent in the community and Gbaramatu Kingdom at large.

Chief Mulade, who is the Ibe-Serimowei of Ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom, gave the advice over the weekend and cautioned the leadership of the community led by Comrade Joel Tonjoh to be careful and not to trade with the future of our yet unborn generations.

He made this position known, against the backdrop of an ongoing attempt by the Comrade Joel Tonjoh-led leadership of the Benikrukru community in attempt to sell off certain portions of lands measuring over four hundreds acres, in a most clandestine, suspicious, unpatriotic and dubious manner, devoid of any historical or cultural antecedents.

The Benikrukru born environmental rights activist, hereby call on the Pere of Gbaramatu Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Oboro Gbaraun II and Elders of Benikrukru community to call the Comrade Joel Tonjoh and his Executives to order, halt and desist from attempting to sell any parcel or part of Benikrukru land under any disguise; and that, Benikrukru Community should rather encourage and support any of her son or daughter who has the capacity to attract investors and development to the area. “I strongly advise that we should support any of our indigenes who have the capacity to attract and woo investors to Gbaramatu Kingdom, especially Benikrukru Community,” he said.

“I want to emphasize that, the community ought to, and should demonstrate gratitude to one of our own (Name withheld), who has contributed immensely to the growth and development of the community and bringing the community to limelight, and should be given land to invest freely, as an equity stake contributions, in support of his investment drive, and not the other way round by selling. This would be a very laudable encouragement to this illustrious son of ours and many others, “he opined.

“I strongly think that no amount of poverty, ignorance, and ‘stomach infrastructures’ should allow us to condescend so low in-spite of his huge contributions to the community development and we should avoid doing things that are inimical to natural justice and fair play.

It is imperative to state clearly that Benikrukru Community land in Gbaramatu Kingdom belongs to all sons and daughters with inalienable rights. Therefore, no individual should be subjected or denial of such rights, and such that is capable of generating crisis and litigation in the nearest future.

The Benikrukru community born, Ibe-Serimowei of Gbaramatu Kingdom, strongly appealed to the community to support and contribute to investment drive as community equity contributions to our people, rather than selling any part or parcel of land. “Let it equally be on record that any purported sells Deeds of Conveyance will be resisted with every available legal means,” he asserted.

Kano pillars claims first away point in Bayelsa

Kano pillars claims first away point in Bayelsa

 

Kano Pillars FC secured their first away point of the 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League season with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Bayelsa United at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenegoa.

First Half:

The match kicked off with Kano Pillars FC looking to assert themselves early on. In the 15th minute, a golden opportunity arose when Zulkifilu Muhammed was set through one-on-one with the Bayelsa United goalkeeper by Rabiu Ali. However, Muhammed’s effort went agonizingly wide, missing a chance to put the visitors ahead.

Bayelsa United had a nervy moment in the 23rd minute when a cross from Rabiu Ali nearly resulted in an own goal, but the hosts managed to clear their lines. Despite Pillars’ dominance, the match remained goalless until the 40th minute.

A moment of brilliance came when Auwalu Ali Malam latched onto a pinpoint cross from Zulkifilu Muhammed, firing a shot inside the box to give Kano Pillars FC a deserved lead. The first half concluded with the visitors leading 1-0.

Second Half:

Bayelsa United came out of the break with renewed vigor, applying pressure on the Pillars’ defense. However, the outstanding performance of goalkeeper Idreesu Ibrahim kept the home side at bay for much of the second half.

The hosts found their equalizer in the 58th minute with a well-taken shot from outside the box, bringing the score to 1-1.

As the match progressed, Kano Pillars FC sought to regain their lead, but Bayelsa United’s goalkeeper produced a crucial save in the 88th minute to deny Sudais’ low-driven shot.

Full-Time: Bayelsa Utd 1-1 Kano Pillars

In his post-match press conference, Kano Pillars FC Technical Adviser Usman Abdallah has expressed satisfaction with the away point, acknowledging the significance of earning a result early in the season.

He commended the Pillars fans who turned out in large numbers to support the team.

Abdallah also turned his focus to the upcoming home match against Remo Stars, recognizing the challenge they pose due to their early preparations for continental engagements.

“The next target is Remo at home and it’s going to be a very tough match because they have been in the continent and have started preparation much earlier than us, but as always, I’m expecting positive results,” Abdallah stated.

The Pride of Kano will host Remo Stars next weekend in Match Day 3 of the ongoing 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League season.

 

Media & Communication Directorate, Kano Pillars FC

A Day Of Glory For Alhaja Anike Ibiladun

A Day Of Glory For Alhaja Anike Ibiladun

**Life Begins At 90, Says Alhaja Adebayo

 

At a time when the life expectancy of the average Nigerian is at an all time low of 47 years due to the, hitting the ripe old age of four scores and ten is “moimoi” as they say in pidgin English. It is definitely cause to throw momentarily away the work to be done, pop champagne and raise the roof..

So it was recently in the Oyo State capital of Ibadan when Alhaja Rafatu Anike Ibiladun Adebayo, mother of veteran journalist, Asiwaju Shola Adebayo hit 90.

Alhaja Adebayo accompanied by her journalist son and other members of the family alighted from the 2024 model of Sports Utility Vehicle JAC to the venue of the event and was received by the guests at about 12:25pm.

As one stepped into the hall, the coolness of the air conditioner literally moped up the hot and upsetting weather felt outside. This resulted from the optimal functioning of the twelve giant standing air conditioning units and sixteen ceiling fans oscillating at their optimum.

The twenty florescent tubes and 24 energy saving bulbs shown brightly, illuminating the hall at the heavily decorated event center, located on Liberty Road, right in the heart of the ancient city of Ibadan. The turn out was massive but quite interestingly the hall was large enough to accommodate each and everybody.

There was orderliness, as the security personnel placed at strategic points to the entrance of the expansive premises were literally idle. Not even the hazy weather could deter the people as they kept coming. As the dignitaries arrived the hall, the ushers promptly led them to their various seats, smiling.

Traditional rulers, accompanied by their chiefs and aides in long flowing robes (agbada), bards and Spector’s added colour to the ceremony, held at Jogor Event Center which glowed in colorful modern fabrics.

Notable politicians, both serving and former commissioners from Delta and Oyo states, National Assembly members from the two states, local government executives, political party leaders, top civil servants, across the country, business moguls, particularly from the oil sector, media executives and community leaders all trooped in to celebrate with the matriarch of the Adebayo Family.

It was a political rally of sorts. Important personalities engaged in banters, the gathering presenting a perfect opportunity to catch up on old times.

At the carnival like ceremony, neighbours were not left out of the hearty celebration. As early as 9 am, they beheld exotic vehicles particularly sport utility vans (SUVS) gliding into the neighborhood and promptly joined the joyous party.

The guests stood up to usher the celebrant as she walked majestically to a special canopy designed for the nonagenarian, an accomplished community leader. Overwhelmed by the outpouring of love, she waved at the crowd and thanked them for the honor done on her. She hugged the guests and pumped hands.

The list included the General Overseer Mega Praise Ministry, Evangelist Michael Diden and his wife, Mrs. Light Diden, Chief Emami Ayiri, Dr. Julius Tekeme, chairman Burutu local government, Mr. Peter Dunia, Executive Director of Inter-Atlas Synergy Limited, Mr. Matthew Tonlagha of FENOG Nigeria Limited, High Chief Tunde Smooth and Dr. Christ Isiguzo, NUJ National President.

Others are Alhaji Alhassan Yahaya, Deputy National President, Chief Francis Arhiyo, Delta State chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, Hon. Thomas Areyitomi, member, National Assembly, comrade Churchill Oyowe, Delta State chairman of Nigeria Union of Journalists, the state Secretary, Victory Sorokwu, Mrs. Stella Macaulay, National vice president, Nigeria Association of Women Journalists and state chairman Women Journalists, Comrade Sonia.

Going by the turn out of people from all walks of life, it will certainly not be out of place to say that Liberty Road, Ibadan is yet to witness a birthday ceremony of such magnitude.

Long after the ceremony, the echoes of the celebration will definitely linger on for years to come.

We Sympathize With Government And Good People Of Borno State Over Flood Calamities- N4peace Project 

We Sympathize With Government And Good People Of Borno State Over Flood Calamities- N4peace Project 

 

We the leading and coordinating civil society organizations known as the Nigeria for Peace Project (N4P) from the thirty six states and the FCT, as well as in the Diaspora, hereby send our sympathy to the government and people of Borno State, following the recent flood disaster which ravaged major parts of the State.

The both leaders who spoke in kano, asserted that our hearts are heavy, as we sadly witness the loss of lives and property, caused by the flood which also displaced many families and exposed many homes to untold hardships. In this trying period in the history of Nigeria, we commit ourselves to be in solidarity with the affected people and communities.

While we offer our prayers to those who have lost their lives or their loved ones, we pray God for mercy and eternal rest for the victims. We also pray for the speedy recovery of those who have sustained some injuries.

May the Almighty Allah grant those who lost their loved ones the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss; and the strength to stand firmly in this trying moment, as they struggle to cope with the new reality and recover from the shock.

We enjoin the Federal and State Governments, and relevant bodies across board to respond to the demanding situation which requires a collective action to support the victims and families in the affected communities to ensure that the victims receive the necessary support and assistance.

We also call on all wealthy individuals, philanthropists and organizations to lend their unconditional support for our brothers and sisters at this critical time of need.

We pray that God Almighty in His infinite mercies will protect our dear country from the reoccurrence of a flood disaster, protect and bless Borno State and its people, and may the victims regain their strength to survive this tragedy and come out of it stronger.

Please accept our condolences and sympathy.

Regards,

Chief Mulade Sheriff
Covener

Amb. Ibrahim Waiya,
CO-Convener,

Forum of Kingdom Presidents-Generals are Agents of Development, Dr. Agbolaya declares

Forum of Kingdom Presidents-Generals are Agents of Development, Dr. Agbolaya declares

**As Forum pledges to key into M.O.R.E Agenda of Governor Oborevwori’s administration 

 

The Special Adviser to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State on Community Development, Amb. Dr. Toyin Orighomisan Agbolaya JP has declared that The Delta State Forum of Kingdom Presidents-Generals are agents of positive grassroots development across the state.

Dr. Agbolaya made the declaration Wednesday September 11, 2024 in Asaba, when he received the Forum’s Excos in his office on familiarization visit, he described the Forum as a veritable medium for prompt dissemination of information and agents of development in their various communities.

According to the Special Adviser “The Governor is not unaware of your contributions as agents of development and medium of information communication to the people at the grassroots.

“His Excellency so much appreciates all your efforts before, during and after the past elections and in his conviction and belief that you have worked and that’s why this office will continually interface with you the President Generals so as to get your developmental needs to him.

“This office is here to interface with the Presidents-General of the various clans and communities across the state to support their development efforts.

“Your coming today is in the right direction because Governor Oborevwori is very passionate to develop Delta and the signs are everywhere for you to see.

“Like I have continually emphasized, our task here is simple and that’s to interface with you to get your developmental needs, problems and the things you lack which will be attended to in due course.

“Very soon we shall be going round to meet with you to get areas that lack government presence in our various communities,” he stressed..

Earlier in his address, Chairman of the Forum, Chief Prince Igwe Nzekwe informed the Special Adviser that the group was at his office to officially present themselves and to congratulate him on his well deserved appointment.

He added that the Forum is a group of “silent movers and performers” across the state, assuring that they will continue to partner with the office of the Special and key into His Excellency’s MORE agenda to attract development to the various communities.

Those present during the visit at Dr. Agbolaya’s Office (Special Adviser) include; Hon Odogu Emakpor, Executive Assistant to the Governor on Community Development and Senior Special Assistants to the Governor on Community Development, Chief (Barr) Roseline Uwubiti; Chief Bernard Jagboro; Mr Lucky Dikadi; Engr. Emmanuel Chukwuka Mormah; Mr Esikabulu Isreal Onochie; Mr Ebite Andrew and Mr Kelvin Kemekebiye.

Chevron Partners NUJ Warri to Strengthen Effective Reporting

Guest lecturers, representative of Chevron and others in a photograph during the One- Day Media Capacity Building programme

By: Odeya Ogbetuo

Chevron Nigeria limited has organised a ‘One-Day Media Capacity Building’ programme for the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Warri Correspondents’ Chapel in its determination to reach out to the public with information of the activities and programmes of the company.

Addressing the participants at the Federal University of Petroleum Resources Effurun (FUPRE) Auditorium in Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State, the Chevron General Manager Policy, Government and Public Affairs, Mr. Olusoga Oduselu said that Chevron would continue to partner with the Media for the development of the society, adding that Chevron has sponsored the Advanced Writing and Reporting Skills (AWARES) programme in collaboration with the Pan Atlantic University in Lagos where over 120 journalists have benefited since the inception of the programme in 2014.

He noted that last year, the company trained over 90 journalists in Lagos, Asaba and Abuja to build the capacity of media practitioners to perform their duties.

The General Manager who was represented by Mr. Akinbola Saheed Praise said that such as AWARES and Chevron – NUJ capacity building programmes will definitely help to improve professional capacity and build lasting partnership with the media stakeholders.

According to him “We have progressed the efforts in our media capacity building for Journalists this year by training additional 90 journalists drawn from the NUJ Lagos, Abuja and Warri in Delta State. By the end of this year, this initiative would have benefitted over 180 media practitioners bringing the total to over 300 journalists who have participated in the CNL-sponsored capacity building programme.”

He affirmed that Chevron also recognized that the success of the larger society would invariably translate to success in their business, stressing that it is their long-term interest to add value to society and to create value for their stakeholders.

He acknowledged the fourth estate of the realm, stressing that their role as agenda-setting and opinion moulders can not be over- enphazised.

A lecture titled “Environmental Degradation in the Niger Delta: Responsibilities of the Mass Media in the 21st century” was delivered by Professor. Akpofure Rim-Rukeh, Vice Chancellor, Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun (FUPRE), who urged the government to implement the environmental laws that have been enacted to protect the environment.

The lecture: Repositioning the Media for Effective and Efficient Reportage of the IOCs and Host Communities was delivered by Associate Prof. Majority Oji, HOD, Department of Mass Communication, Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, while lecture: Host Communities: Social Responsibilities of the Mass Media in the post GMoU era was delivered by DR. (MRS.) F. O. Atubi, Dept. of Social Science Education, Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka.

8th NYG: Team Anambra Wins Bronze in Table Tennis Mixed Doubles Event

8th NYG: Team Anambra Wins Bronze in Table Tennis Mixed Doubles Event

By Ikenna Nwokedi

Team Anambra have secured a second medal on day two of active competition at the ongoing 8th National Youth Games (NYG) in the mould of a bronze Medal.

The second podium finish for Team Anambra came in the Mixed Doubles event of Table Tennis as the duo of Chukwugoziem Ezeofor and Chisom Nnamani lost their Semi Finals clash to Team Delta.

Earlier on, last year’s Gold medalist, Goodluck Njoku was not so lucky as he lost via split decisions by the officials in a fierce Semi-finals match against Desmond Eroriewan of Cross River State to settle for the bronze medals in the -50kg class.

Hitherto, he saw off Williams Jimoh of Delta State in the quarter finals while also seeing off Isaac Ejoba of Kaduna State and Chimaobi Orji of Abia State in the preliminary stages.

This brings Anambra medals’ tally to two bronze medals on the day two with prospects of more medals’ haul in the coming days of the ongoing 8th NYG.

New PGPA Boss, Odueselu revealed as Chevron organises Media Capacity workshop for Journalists

New PGPA Boss, Odueselu revealed as Chevron organises Media Capacity workshop for Journalists

 

Chevron Nigeria Limited has revealed its new General Manager in Policy, Government and Public Affairs, PGPA, Mr. Olusoga Odueselu.

This much was unveiled Thursday September 12, 2024 at the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun FUPRE in Delta State, during a one day Media capacity building programme for journalists in Warri organised by Chevron Nigeria Limited in collaboration with the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Warri Correspondents’ Chapel.

The Chevron Nigeria Limited, CNL, PGPA Boss, Mr. Olusoga Odueselu, restated the company’s resolve to continually develop human capacity and support the media towards enhancement of professionalism.

The programme, had in attendance journalists from across different media organizations, including Fresh Angle International Newspaper.

Olusoga lauded the role of journalists in reporting the oil and gas industry and how they provide effective perspectives to the complexities of the industry operations.

Olusoga, who was represented by a Communication representative of Chevron Nigeria Limited, Mr. Akinbola Saheed Praise, highlighted some of Chevron’s commitment to developing the media to include the following; “training of over 120 journalists in Advanced Writing and Reporting Skills (AWARES) in collaboration with the Pan Atlantic University, Lagos.”

“Training of over 90 journalists from across the country in Lagos, Abuja and Delta for better performance in their duties, bringing the total to over 300 journalists, who have participated in the capacity building programmmes, he said.

He added that Chevron will continue to partner the media for the development of the society.

“Aside from supporting Nigerian content development by providing employment opportunities to Nigerians and offering contract opportunities in all their projects, CNL also supports the sustainable development of the communities in which they operate.

“Through the Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU), a community-led participatory partnership model, CNL has contributed billions of naira to the Regional Development Committees (RDCs) that represent the communities in its area of operations to execute hundreds of projects in the communities through a governance model that ensures transparency and accountability,” he explained.

Earlier in his opening remarks, Chairman of NUJ Warri Correspondents’ Chapel, Comrade Okies Okpomor, commended the partnership with Chevron, and emphasized the importance of adapting to the evolving media landscape.

Okies noted: “We are living in a time that there are dynamics in everything, we have to learn new ropes in reporting, especially on issues pertaining to PIA (Petroleum Industry Act) and other relevant issues in the oil industry.”

The Vice Chancellor, Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun, FUPRE, Prof. Akpoture Rim-Rukeh, lectured participants on “Environmental Degradation in the Niger Delta: Responsibilities of the Mass Media in the 21st century”.

He highlighted the roles of Mass media, to include, education, catalyst for environmental conservation, conveying of complex scientific information to the public as well as advocacy for policy reform and revolutionized environmental activism.

Another facilitator, Associate Prof. Majority OJ, Head of Department of Mass Communication, Delta State University, DELSU, Abraka, trained journalists on “Repositioning the Media for Effective and Efficient Reportage of the IOCs and Host Communities.”

He noted the focus of the media for effective reporting to include: Comprehensive knowledge of the oil and gas sector, Knowledge of the Environment and Impact assessment, Stakeholder-engagement and community development and knowledge of Peace Journalism as well as conflict resolution.

Meanwhile, Dr. (Mrs.) F. O. Atubi of the Department of Social Science Education, Delta State University, DELSU, lectured the participants on “Host Communities: Social Responsibilities of the Mass Media in the post GMoU era.”

She pointed out the responsibilities of media in post GMoU as, Providing Credible Information on the GMoU , To Promote Transparency and Accountability, Facilitating Discussions and Provision of Education.

According to her, the responsibilities also entail providing Resolution to Conflicts and Building Peace, creating Environmental Impact Awareness, Empowering Civic Participation and Advocating for Sustainable Development (SD).

The highly interactive training, included questions and answers’ session. Participants were awarded certificates upon completion of the programme.

NYG Asaba 2024: Mustapha Ridwanullahi Wins First Medal For Team Kwara

NYG Asaba 2024: Mustapha Ridwanullahi Wins First Medal For Team Kwara

By: Michael Odetunde 

Mustapha Ridwanullahi won team Kwara first medal at the ongoing 8th National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta State at the Para table tennis – Boys Singles.

The events was held at the indoor sports hall of Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba on Thursday.

Ridwanullahi showed his superiority over his opponent Nwaturucha Triumph from Imo state in the quarter-finals match 3-0 in 11-0 11-3 11-1.

However, he lost the semi-final to Akachukwu Ima from Delta State 2-3 with 5-11, 11-6, 9-11, 11-8, 9-11 in a keenly contested game.

In the round of 32 girls category, Idris Ashiata lost to Samson Precious from Abia State 1-2 with 2-11, 11-6, 10-12.

Also in the round of 16 girls category, Aisha Ahmed lost to Nigeria number 1 Aisha Rabiu from Lagos 1-2 with 7-11, 11-8, 8-11 in a closely contested game.

Hauwa Seidu qualified to the round of 16 after she defeated Elizabeth Ndukwe from Abia State 2-1 with 11-8 7-11 11-6.

The Head coach of Kwara table tennis team, Coach Kehinde Aiyelabegan applauded the players for showing of bravery to competing with their counterparts in the events.

Aiyelabegan also shared his confidence that the state will claim another medal apart from the bronze won by Mustapha Ridwanullahi.

Actions continue tomorrow Friday at the indoor sports hall of Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, Delta State.

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