Iquaibom Returns From Olympics, Thanks A’ibom Govt, Friends For Support

Edidiong Stephen

Coach Lawrence Iquaibom has expressed gratitude to the Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, the government and people of Akwa Ibom state for the support that was given him which led to his successful participation in the recently concluded 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

Mr Iquaibom, who is a Category-A International Technical Official of the International Weightlifting Federation, served as a weightlifting referee at the Games.

Speaking with journalists in Uyo, Wednesday, the veteran described as massive the demonstration of love and support he enjoyed from his state of origin.

“I’m delighted to leverage this opportune moment to thank His Excellency, our dear Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, my boss – the Honourable Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports, Sir Monday Uko, the Chairman – Elder Paul Bassey, and members of the state sports stakeholders’ coordinating committee, the leadership and members of SWAN in the state, and indeed the entirety of our people for the massive love and support they gave me during the Games.” He said.

“I feel incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by all of you loving people and do pledge to continue to make you proud in all of my future endeavours,” he added.

On the poor performance of Team Nigeria at the Paris Games, Mr Iquaibom, who represented Nigeria at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles as well as other international competitions including the Commonwealth championship in Malta where he won a gold medal in 1983 before sojourning in the Akwa Ibom state civil service where he retired as Director of Sports, cited early preparation, proper funding, youth inclusiveness and regular exposure of our athletes to African, Commonwealth and World championships as necessary steps to be taken in order to turn around the country’s Olympics fortunes.

Public Hearing: DTHA calls for Memoranda On Human Trafficking Prohibition Bill

The Delta State House of Assembly has called for memoranda from stakeholders on a bill for law to prohibit all forms of human trafficking in the state.

The call for memoranda from critical stakeholders is sequel to the public hearing on the bill scheduled for coming Monday, 9th September 2024.

The public hearing being organized by the Assembly Committee on Housing, Women Affairs, Girl Child Entrepreneur and Humanitarian Support Services, is to hold at the Press Center, State Assembly Complex, Okpanam road, Asaba, beginning at 10 o’clock in the morning.

A statement by the Chairman Assembly Committee on Housing, Women Affairs, Girl Child Entrepreneur and Humanitarian Support Services, Hon Bridget Anyafulu, said inputs from critical stakeholders is key to the enactment of the proposed law.

The statement reads, “The public is hereby informed that at the Delta State House of Assembly sitting on Wednesday, 3rd July, 2024, the Delta State Human Trafficking (Prohibition) Bill, 2024 was read the second time and committed to the House Committee on Housing, Women
Affairs, Girl Child Entrepreneur and Humanitarian Support Services for scrutiny.

“Pursuant of its mandate, the Committee will welcome written contributions on
the Bill from interested organizations such as, Ministry of Justice, National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Adviser to the Governor on Human Trafficking Matters, Ministry of Women Affairs, Community and Social Development, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Community Support Services and Girl Child Development, Ministry of Youth Development, and Ministry of Information.

“Others include the Delta State Job & Wealth Creation Office, Delta State Orientation Bureau, the Nigeria Police, Nigeria Immigration Service, Department of State Security (DSS), Nigeria Security & Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Traditional Rulers’ Council, NGO’s that specialize in counter-trafficking of persons, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Directorate of Peace and Security and the general public”.

Hon Anyafulu who represents Oshimili South Constituency in the House in the statement, said all memoranda should be in ten copies enclosed in sealed envelopes, addressed to the Committee marked “Delta State Human Trafficking Prohibition Bill” and forwarded to reach the Clerk of the Committee on or before close of work on Monday, 9th September, 2024.

“The Committee also wishes to invite interested organizations and the general public to its public hearing on Monday, 9th September, 2024 at 10:00am at the Press Centre, Assembly Complex, Asaba”, the Lawmaker stated.

Bendel Insurance FC Unveils Oronsaye, Uche Collins,kayode, Ajiboye, 9 OTHER Players, As 13 Leaves

**Yussuf Alli charges team against Rivers Utd on Sept 8

Bendel Insurance Football Club of Benin has unveiled thirteen new players among other new signees recruited to fortify the team for
the 2024/25 and beyond just as the Benin Arsenals announced the departure of thirteen old players.

The Benin Arsenals have brought 18 new players into their fold in their swift response to the departure of 13 regular players who left after the 2023/24 season.

Among the new signees are former Enyimba midfielder and striker James Oronsaye and Uche Collins who were unveiled at the Bendel Insurance Secretariat onTuesday, September 3,2024. Others include Kayofe Oke from 3SC;Suleiman Solihu-(GK) From Kwara Utd;Emmanuel Ugwu – From Dakkada FC;Moses Ajiboye – From Nasarawa Utd,Isaac Ajibola- From Sporting Lagos
8.Chinedu Onyinjekwe -and (Striker) From Fame FC, Lagos

Oghers are Uche Martins- From Rangers;Jesse Kelechi -(MF) From Crown FC; Nazir Mohammed – Academy; Stephen Bekewe -(Fwrd) From Bayelsa Utd;. Martin Owolija -From Tornadoes among others.

Unveiling the new players in Benin, the Executive Chairman, Edo state Sports Commission Olympian Yussuf Alli urged the new players to be disciplined and focused as they continue to blend with the old ones so they can play as a formidable team that can make the state proud again.

The Sports Commission boss said he has confidence in Coach Monday Odigie and his team’s ability to make headlines in the new football season and tasked them to begin the season on a positive note by beating Rivers Utd on Sunday.

Insurance FC will host Rivers Utd in their first match of the season on Sunday, September 8,2024 at the Samuel Ogbemudia stadium with majority of the new signings hoping to be on duty for their new club. Kick off time is 4pm.

The match, originally scheduled to hold on Saturday, September 7 was rescheduled by the league management following the CAF nation’s cup qualifiers engagement of the Super Eagles of Nigeria with Benin Republic on Saturday at the Godswill Akpabio stadium, Uyo.

Meanwhile, the Benin Arsenals have confirmed the departure of about thirteen old players most of whom won the 2023 Federation Cup with them, including their stand-in captain and award winning goalkeeperAmas Obasogie who have signed for different clubs abroad

The outgone players include Amas Obasogie (Gk),Sunday Anyanwu (CD);.Ebuka Akobundu (RB);Kelly Oahaimije Kester(Mf);Paul Obata(Frw);Evans Ogbonda(Frw);Jude Ebhohon(Striker);Sarki Ismael (Striker)!Chukwudi Meze(Striker;Chisom Okereke(Striker); Osaghae Junior(Striker);Wisdom Stephen(Mf) and Divine Nwanchukwu (Mf).

NPFL Reschedules Kano Pillars FC’s Opening Fixture for 2024/25 Season

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), the elite league body in Nigeria, has announced a rescheduling of Kano Pillars FC’s opening fixture for the 2024/25 season. Initially slated for Saturday, 7th October 2024, the match will now take place on Sunday, 8th October 2024.

This adjustment comes in light of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Benin Republic, scheduled for Saturday, 7th October 2024, at the Nest of Champions in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

The Sai Masu Gida will now face the same opponent, Ikorodu City FC, at their temporary home ground, the Muhammad Dikko Stadium in Katsina. The temporary relocation to Katsina was necessitated by the ongoing renovation work at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano.

The decision to use the Muhammad Dikko Stadium was reached under the leadership of the club’s chairman, Alhaji Ali Na Yara Mai Samba.

As the Pyramid City side gears up for the new season, the team is determined to make a strong statement with their performance.

The upcoming fixture against Ikorodu City FC offers an opportunity for the Kano darling club to showcase their readiness and competitive edge, following a series of vital pre-season matches in Jos.

The club’s management is leaving no stone unturned in ensuring a successful season. Every stakeholder, from the players and technical crew to the management, fans, and the Kano State Government, is being called upon to contribute to the team’s success.

The collective effort will be crucial in helping Kano Pillars FC achieve their goals in the upcoming season.

Read about SEVEN very important Basic Facts About Taraba State That You Might Not Know

1• Chappal Waddi Mountain in Taraba state about 2,419 meter’s is considered as the highest peak in Nigeria. It is located on Mambilla, near the border with Cameroon and in the Gashaka Gumti Forest Reserve. Climbing this mountain is not for the faint-hearted and takes quite a number of days.

2• Kurmi in Taraba State is the third richest local government in Nigeria. Kurmi is naturally blessed with banana, cocoa, peer, wood, orange, coal, palm trees and natural gas.

3• Gembu in Taraba State is the coolest place in Nigeria. Gembu experiences daytime temperatures around 21°C, with temperature variations ranging from 11.7°C to 27.8°C. It is rarely below 9.4°C or above 31.1°C. and the 2nd coolest state in Nigeria.

4• Taraba State has the highest number of ethnic groups in Nigeria with over 80 indigenous ethnic groups speaking different languages. Taraba State has more languages than 30 African countries.

5• Gembu, you’ll find the biggest and most beautiful tea farms/plantation in Africa. The road network here is favourable, and people can drive to the farms in the north or south.

6• Taraba is the second highest yam producing state in Nigeria, accounting for having produced 3,162 1000 metric tons of yam in 2005, which amounts to over 12.89 percent of Nigeria’s total yam production. Taraba state contains over 4 million hectares of arable land, although only about 1.5 million hectares are believed to be exploited for yam farming each year.

7• Taraba state is the 3rd largest state in Nigeria by land mass about 54.473km

Vm Poundz

Take over failed 70 KLM Sapele -Eku-Abraka-Agbor Road, University Don Bebenimibo appeals to Delta Govt., Oborevwori

A human right activist, Comrade Paul Bebenimibo, PhD, has appealed to Delta State Government to intervene in the 70 kilometres Sapele, Eku, Abraka, Obiaruku, Abavo, Agbor federal road in public interest.

Dr Bebenimibo who is also a lecturer in Delta state university, DELSU, Abraka in his letter of appeal made public decried the deplorable state of the Federal road and implored the state Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori to ameliorate the harrowing hardship road users in that axis are passing through on a daily.

The university don who has served as a board member in the Delta State Oil Producing Development Commission (DESOPADEC), between 2019 and 2023, lamented the neglect of the road by the Federal Government and advised the Governor to Liaise with federal to allow him work on the road for the betterment of road users.

His open letter to the governor which reads in part stated; “I am a regular user of the road mentioned above. The road is dilapidated and unpassable now. I know that the road is a Federal road, which the Federal Government has purportedly worked on in the last 12 years or more. However, this road is right in the middle of Delta State, cutting across eight Local Government Areas, including your local government area, Okpe. Others are Ika South, Ika North East, Ukuwani, Ethiope East, Sapele and Ughelli North Local Government Areas. In other words, people from these local government areas have used this road before it became unpassable.

“Even you, Mr Governor, have used this road from Asaba to Osubi, your home town and vice versa, because it is shorter to use from Asaba to Osubi juxtaposed to wherever you use today. If truth be told, the unpalatable condition of the road is a major contributor to the high cost of agricultural products in the state and other parts of Nigeria. The rickety state of the road also contributes to the prevailing insecurity in Delta State.

“It is also a significant contributor to the high cost of transportation in Delta State. The present state of the road is killing education in Delta State as two Universities in Delta State, namely Delta State University, Abraka and the University of Agbor are situated along the road; Staff and Students find it difficult to use the road right now.

‘‘Your Excellency Sir, the reason for not intervening on this road- that it is a federal road is untenable. It is Deltans that use this road; Deltans own farms along this road, and it is Deltans that are suffering. If you can construct fly-overs on a federal road in Warri and Effurun, there is no reason why you should not reconstruct this critical road for Deltans, including you. Sir, you have used this road before its present deplorable condition.

“Your Excellency Sir, it is time for you to approach President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to allow you to work on this road.Your colleague-governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State acted similarly lately, taking over the reconstruction of the 70 kilometres Lagos to Abeokuta Expressway. I respectfully remind you that former governor of Rivers State, Chief Nyensom Wike, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, constructed 12 fly-overs on federal roads in Rivers State to ease traffic in the South-South state. You can borrow a leaf from these two great men.

“Mr Governor sir, you made it copiously clear that you are a man of the people during your campaigns in 2023; and that you have enough dosage of “street credibility”, it is now that you have to demonstrate it against the time to come (2027). May Jehovah God see you through in piloting the affairs of Delta State. Amen”.

NPFL New season: Heartland FC to unveil new players September 5th

The Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri this Thursday 5th September will come alive as the Imo state darling team- Heartland FC have concluded plans to unveil their newly signed players ahead of the kick off of the new season.

The Naze Millionaires will unveil their new recruits to their passionate fans in Imo State and its environs.

The special event will also mark the maiden Edition of the Dan Anyiam Cup.

The Dan Anyiam Cup in honour of Nigeria’s first Captain who was a former Coach of the Club will henceforth serve as a dress rehearsal before the club plays her first game of the season.
It is a friendly game with a trophy attached to it.

This year Heartland FC will host Nigeria National League side, Kun Khalifat FC of Owerri for the maiden Edition of the Dan Anyiam Cup which Starts by 4 pm with the Unveiling and ends with the friendly game which Is expected to start by 5 pm.

The game will be played under the floodlights and the winner gets the Dan Anyiam Cup.

There are other exciting programmes lined up to whet the appetite of the club’s supporters and fans on Thursday and you will be missing a whole lot if you are not in Owerri’s Dan Anyiam Stadium to witness the epoch making occasion.

Be committed to ideals of PDP, Guwor charges newly elected Delta PDP executive

Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Emomotimi Dennis Guwor has charged the newly elected executive of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP in the state, to be committed to the ideals of the party.

Rt Hon Guwor in a congratulatory message to the newly elected Chairman, Chief Solomon Arenyeka and other members of the State Party Exco, said their emergence as the new leaders of the PDP is testament to their dedication, hard work and pedigree in party politics.

The Speaker expressed confidence that Chief Arenyeka and his Executive, including the Deputy Chairman, Chief Moses Iduh and the three Senatorial Chairmen, Engr Dan Ossai, Delta North, Hon Anthony Akpomiemie, Delta Central and Prince Emma Amgbadugba, Delta South, will bring fresh ideas, energy, and direction to the ruling PDP in Delta State.

He said, “I congratulate the newly elected leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State.

This marks a new chapter in our party’s journey, and I am confident that our new leaders will build on the successes of the past while introducing fresh ideas to drive our party forward”.

Rt Hon Guwor assured that as the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, he looks forward to working with them to achieve desired goals.

The Speaker who represents Warri South West in the House and the National Treasurer, Conference of Speakers of State Houses of Assembly in Nigeria, pledged his support and cooperation to the new leadership of the party.

“I am committed to working closely with the new Exco to advance the interests of our party and the people of Delta State.

“We will work together to strengthen our party, promote development in the state and ensure the continued prosperity of Delta State”, Guwor stated.

The Speaker who led Warri South West delegates to the Party’s Congress, held at the Cenotaph, Asaba, commended the entire process that led to the formation of the new PDP Exco in Delta State.

He congratulated the leader of the party and Governor of the state, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori for the peaceful, exciting and democratic exercise, stressing that Delta State remains a strong hold of the PDP.

Rt Hon Guwor also paid glowing tributes to other leaders of party in the state, particularly former Governors, Deputy Governors and Speakers of the State Legislature, for their unwavering commitment at ensuring unity of purpose in PDP.

“I urge all party members to rally round our new leaders and work together towards a common goal of building a stronger, more united PDP in Delta State. Let us put the interests of our party and state above individual ambitions and work towards a brighter future for all.

“Once again, congratulations to our new leaders. I wish them success in their new roles”, the Speaker emphasized.

Association Honours Tompolo In London, Ireland for Environmental, Economic Contributions

In a notable recognition of his contributions to environmental protection and economic development in Nigeria, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, has received an award and certificate of recognition from the Ijaw People’s Association of Great Britain and Ireland.

The award was presented during the 76th Ijaw Day celebration held at the Kevin Banquet Suite in London.

Tompolo, renowned for his pipeline surveillance operations aimed at curbing crude oil theft, has been pivotal in protecting the Niger Delta’s environment and creating employment opportunities for the people of the oil rich Niger Delta Region.

The Ijaw People’s Association acknowledged his efforts in safeguarding the region’s natural resources and foster economic growth, emphasizing the positive impact of his work on the local communities.

Recall that Tompolo has declared a resolute stance against economic saboteurs and environmental polluters in the Niger Delta.

“We are going to move into serious action, where we will stop all the illegal activities in the Niger Delta region. We need to do everything within our powers to protect our environment and our nation.”

The award highlights Tompolo’s significant achievements in reducing pipeline vandalism and improving regional security through his security firm, Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited.

His efforts had led to substantial discoveries of illegal oil activities in remote creeks and on the high seas, effectively disrupting the operations of criminal elements.

The organisers said that he was honoured for the good jobs he is doing in the country, especially in the Niger Delta Region where he is waging war against oil thieves.

Prof. Benjamin Akaba, President of the Ijaw National Council, praised Tompolo for his contributions, saying that, “He has been an outstanding patron of the Ijaw nation. The reduction in pipeline vandalization and improvement in security are commendable.
Tompolo’s operations have demonstrated that oil theft is not solely a Niger Delta issue but involves external cabals. We are grateful for his efforts, and if we had more individuals like him, development would flourish.”

Bubaray Dakolo, Chairman of the Bayelsa Traditional Rulers Council, viewed the awards as an encouragement for excellence and leadership within the Ijaw community and said that; “These awards are a call to action for us to continue our efforts and set an example for others”.

Jonathan Lokpobiri, President of the Ijaw Youth Council, stressed the environmental benefits resulting from Tompolo’s initiatives.

He advocated for Tompolo to receive a National Merit Award, pointing out that; “The reduction of illegal refining activities is gradually improving our environment. Tompolo’s efforts are deserving of national recognition.”

The awards ceremony not only celebrated Tompolo’s achievements but also reinforced his commitment to the environmental protection and economic development in the Niger Delta Region.

Ereyitomi congratulates Arenyeka on his emergence as Delta PDP chairman, other exco members

By: Celestine Ukah 

The member representing Warri Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives, Hon. Chief Thomas Ereyitomi has congratulated Chief Solomon Arenyeka on his successful election as the Delta State PDP Chairman.

Chief Ereyitomi on Saturday August 31 in Asaba shortly after the PDP Congress that produced Chief Arenyeka as the new Chairman and his executives, hailed the unanimous voting decision by faithful of the PDP, commended Governor Oborevwori for his exemplary leadership of the Party in the State as the Governor with so many legacy projects across the state especially the historic flyovers in Effurun and Warri cosmopolitan cities.

Rep Ereyitomi urged the party executives to ensure dominance of PDP in the state and sustain the winning streak of the PDP in all parts of Delta State and give no room for opposition to set in

The Warri Federal lawmaker expressed deep confidence that the new leadership of the PDP in Delta will deliver effectively like his predecessor Olorogun Kingsley who worked tirelessly with the Exco in ensuring successes in all polls across Delta State.

Chief Ereyitomi on behalf of Warri Federal Constituency also congratulated
the Deputy Chairman, Chief Moses Iduh, and the three Senatorial Chairmen – Engr. Dan Ossai, Delta North, Hon Anthony Akpomiemie, Delta Central and Prince Emma Amgbadugba, Delta South respectively, describing them as men of pedigree that would assist the party further raise the bar in party politics.

He wished the new Delta PDP exco a successful tenure and also appealed to them to unite all members of the party going forward