*Says He Will Not Disappoint Deltans

The Delta State PDP Governorship Candidate for the 2023 general elections and Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori has said that he has the capacity to pilot the affairs of the state if elected Governor in the forthcoming general elections, with a promise not to disappoint Deltans.

At Isiokolo, Headquarters of Ethiope East Local Government Area of the State, where he was hosted by Chief Broderick Arigbodi, the Oloku of Agbon Kingdom, the PDP Gubernatorial Candidate said that having served as the longest speaker in the history of Delta State, he has been well equipped for the position of the State Governor.

He said that; “I have been in the House for seven years now and speaker for six years running and with the experience that I have gathered, I can manage the state very well because I know the workings of the state. Am the longest serving speaker in the history of Delta State, from one Assembly to another, no stain and I know that I am capable of piloting the affairs of the state if elected Governor. The journey is not easy, but God will take control”.

According to the Speaker who is also the National Deputy Chairman of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria, the Atiku-Okowa ticket is the only ticket that can solve Nigeria’s problems and rebuild the nation again.

“Atiku-Okowa ticket is the only ticket that can solve Nigeria’s problems, that can rescue this nation, rebuild our country again. Seven and half years of APC policy has collapsed. APC has nothing to campaign with. The APC-led government has failed Nigerians and we must vote out the party now. We will suffer APC with our votes in the forthcoming general elections. Atiku-Okowa will cure the ills of the society. Vote massively for PDP”, Rt Hon Oborevwori said.

While commending Chief Broderick Arigbodi, the Oloku of Agbon kingdom, for hosting him, the PDP Governorship Candidate said that;
“It is only God that gives power, not man and in politics, there is time and season. My brother, for bringing me to your community and hosting me today, you have done a great thing, you have established a relationship between me and the people of this place and Ethiope East people will not be left behind in my administration. I am here to jolly with you in order to show my appreciation. God will continue to bless you. This day will be a memorable day for Ethiope East, as you have honoured me, God will honour you”.

Earlier, Chief Broderick Arigbodi, the Oloku of Agbon kingdom said that; “We decided to host you here today to pledge our loyalty to you. We will vote for you and all PDP candidates in the 2023 general elections”.

The Ceremony was attended by the Majority Leader of the House of Assembly, Hon Ferguson Onwo, PDP Delta Central Senatorial District Candidate, Chief Ighoyota Amori, PDP House of Representatives Candidate for Ethiope Federal Constituency, Hon Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, Hon Talib Tebite, Chairman of Ethiope East Local Government Area, Hon Victor Ofobrukweta and host of others.

President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday appointed Dr. Duke Okoro as the pioneer Rector, Federal Polytechnic, Orogun in Ughelli North LGA of Delta State.

The Federal Polytechnic, Orogun, was initiated by Deputy President of Senate, His Excellency, Ovie Omo-Agege, and passed into law by the National Assembly and subsequently assented by President Buhari, commander in chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The appointment of Okoro as the pioneer Rector of the institution was duly considered and approved by Mr. President, and this has paved the way for smooth kick-off of the Polytechnic, situated in Orogun, home town of Deputy President of Senate, His Excellency, Ovie Omo-Agege.

Okoro, was the Director of International Development, Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun, Delta State.

Okoro bagged a PhD degree in Environmental Analytical Chemistry from the prestigious University of Benin in 2004. A Fellow of the Chemical Society of Nigeria (FCSN); Fellow Nigerian Environmental Society (FNES); Fellow of Institute of Chatered Chemists of Nigeria (FICCON); Fellow Institute of Management Consultant (FIMC).

The newly appointed Rector, is also a Member, Institute of Public Analyst of Nigeria (MIPAN); Member of the Chemical Profession of Alberta, Canada (PChem); Member of Environmental Careers Organization, Canada (EP) amongst others.

He has published lots of articles in national and international indexed journals, and has concluded over 80 technical environmental studies in IOCs and marginal field operators in the oil and gas sector. He is married with children.

Meanwhile, Deltans have reacted positively over the kickoff of the Federal Polytechnic, Orogun and the appointment of Dr. Duke Okoro as Rector by President Buhari.

They also commended the Deputy President of Senate, His Excellency, Ovie Omo-Agege, for attracting the Federal Polytechnic to Delta State.

The death has been announced of Mrs. Grace Omatie Akpomiemie ( nee Okotie), whose sad event took place on September, 19, 2022. According to the funeral arrangement released by the family, the Late Mrs. Omatie Akpomiemie, will be buried in her home town Ikoro, Ovia North East Local Government Area, Edo State, on the 10th of February, 2023.

In her life time the Late Mrs Grace Omatie Akpomiemie was a beautiful, well crafted, blessed, and love personified mother who was loved and admired by all.

According to the son Barrister Richard Akpomiemie, ” mum was eighteen years old when he got married to my late Dad a very handsome man at the time and both of them travelled to England. Whilst late Dad was schooling and working, mum was working and holding the home front.

Despite her hard work mum still had family time and had four of her six children there in England.

Mum worked in various companies and establishment like the Military Hospital, Lewisham Hospital, Singers amongst others.

Her hard work earned her accolades, promotions and rise in wages.

When late Dad got a job at Nigerian Agip Oil Company, Nigeria, mum had to relocate with her late husband with the children back to Nigeria as a dutiful and respected wife. In Nigeria, mum had the other two children.

Mum whilst in Nigeria started her private business of exporting goods from England to Nigeria in a massive scale. She later set up Food businesses chains as well in Lagos state and Delta State.

This woman was not going to leave her husband to provide for her and the children alone, she supported her beloved late husband nevertheless in her own way regardless of her late husband having all it takes to take care of her and the children. What a woman!

Mum’s Social and Family life was examplanary, she looked after her own children, children from her maternal, paternal lineage and even relatives of her late husband. There are many people alive today that can testify to this.
She was well known in social circle always smiling and wanting to know the latest gists. Mum never discriminated against anyone or felt tied at any time. She loved equally all that came to live with her or asked for her support virtually for anything including sound advises. Mum was later known as “Area Mama or Mummy”

Mum and Dad were partners and an inseparable lovers and friends,
Mum loved all even in sickness and good health. Mum lived a fulfilled life worthy to thank God Almighty for.

Mum will remain in our hearts forever, ” he said in a tribute.

The Delta State PDP Governorship Candidate for the 2023 general elections and Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori has felicitated with the State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Olorogun Kingsley Esiso on his birthday.

Rt Hon Oborevwori who is also the National Deputy Chairman of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria in a Press Statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Dennis Otu, while congratulating the state PDP Chairman on his birthday anniversary, described him as a charismatic leader.

“Today, I join others in felicitating with the Chairman of our great party, the PDP, Olorogun Kingsley Esiso on his birthday. I must say that you have devoted a greater part of your robust energy on consolidating on the gains of our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in Delta State by taking the party to enviable heights with your uncommon wisdom and rare leadership qualities and we are proud of you”.

He added that; “As you celebrate this milestone today, my prayer is that Almighty God will continue to bless you with sound health and divine Wisdom. Wishing you a happy birthday and many happy returns my brother and wonderful friend. Congratulations”.

The families of Pa Joseph Oritseretsolokumi Ayonmike and his wife, Dr. Shirley Chinyere Ayonmike, have issued a cash reward in the search for Chukwunonso Nwogu (Nonso) alias Drey, Kelly, Derek, a man suspected of killing the couple about two years ago.

The families of the two deceased are offering N2m reward for anyone with information that could lead to the arrest of the driver to the murdered couple.

He is said to be the prime suspect of the heinous crime and the two families have solicited public inputs in solving the “deliberate, intentional and brutal” murder of the Ayonmikes, saying that the gruesome incidence was a nightmare that would not go away easily.

The murdered couple : Pa. Ayonmike & Dr.  Mrs. Chinyere Ayonmike

Pa Joseph Ayonmike, 83-year-old man of culture and immense intellect and his wife, Dr. Chinyere Shirley Ayonmike, opera soloist, duetist, Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) expert and senior lecturer at the Delta State University Abraka, were on Friday, June 25, 2021, gruesomely murdered in their residence, N0 28, Mabiaku Road (Nana College Road), GRA in Warri.

They were reported to have been shot, stabbed and cut with machetes.

Their driver, Chukwunonso Nwogu (Nonso) alias Drey, Kelly, Derek, was suspected to be the murderer and his whereabout since the incidence is still unknown.

He has been declared wanted by the Nigerian Police since 2021 in connection with the murder.

The prime suspect hails from Isi-Alangwa Local Government Area of Abia State.

The two families are appealing to anyone with credible information that could lead to his arrest to contact: 0807-154-8887 and 0803-830-0921 or the nearest Police station, and have now offered the sum N2m as a reward for his arrest.

His Lordship, Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court, Warri Judicial division has cited the fact that he is from the Niger-Delta region to justify recusing himself from further hearing the matter filed against the composition of the NDDC by the Prince Emmanuel Okotie-Eboh led group.

When the matter came up before the Honourable Court on Tuesday January 31, 2023, Counsel to the Plaintiff, Chief Robinson Ariyo had informed the court that the application to restrain the new Governing Board from assessing the NDDC funds was what was ripe for hearing and he was prepared for argument.

Counsel to the party seeking to join Jude A. Rex-Ogbuku, argued that his application for joinder should take priority over that of the Plaintiff so as to enable the party seeking to join participate in the proceedings.

In reply, Chief Robinson Ariyo argued that since the party sought to be joined was technically not yet a party, he could not participate in the proceedings as such, hence, the application for injunction should be heard first as it seeks to preserve the res for the benefit of all including the party sought to be joined.

At this stage the Honourable Court reasoned that should he give a decision in the circumstances, it may be perceived that it is due to the fact that he is from the region; His Lordship is from the Niger-Delta region.

The Honourable Court then directed that file to be sent to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court for reassignment to any other court that is not of Niger-elta origin.

It would be recalled that Prince Emmanuel Okotie-Eboh, Comrade Ameachi Ogbonna, Tsola Emiko Amoye and Isaac Dorsu acting on behalf of the Indigenes and members of oil and gas producing communities of Itsekiri ethnic extraction in Warri South, Warri South-West and Warri North Local Government Areas of Delta State of Nigeria had prayed the Federal High Court in Warri for an Order of interlocutory injunction restraining the President and the National Assembly from ’”permitting and/or authorizing the operations and or appropriating the relevant funds or implementing the relevant budgetary allocations by the governing board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) with the extant nominees, composition and structure of the proposed board Chairman and members as constituted pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit”.

With the recent development, the matter has been adjourned to enable a reassignment by the Chief Judge in the circumstances.

By: Celestine Ukah

* Tidi explains new direction

Chief (Dr.) Roland Oritsejafor making a presentation of prototype cheque & POS machine to another beneficiaries

In a bid to mitigate the capital deficiencies being faced by small scale business operators as a result of the economic crunch triggered by energy crisis, Warri South Local Government Council in Delta State, on Tuesday January 31, presented Point-of-Sale, PoS Machines and money to 250 micro-entrepreneurs.

Chairman of Warri South Local Government Area, Dr. Michael Tidi, who spoke at the Warri South Council Main Secretariat in Warri, during the event tagged, ‘Warri South Local Government Council Entreprise & Empowernment Programme’, explained that the plan of action, was in: “Response to the observed deficiencies in the capital base of small scale business operators and lack of investment in human capital development at the grassroots, resulting to uneven distribution of resources to the poor and vulnerable”

Dr. Tidi, who admitted that the task of changing the narrative of Warri South, has been challenging and extremely difficult, noted that progress was being made in that direction.

“Having provided the infrastructural platform for the development of Warri and for commerce to thrive in my administration, in line with His Excellency’s (Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa) Youth Empowerment Programme, we decided to focus on human development programmes, wherein some small scale business operators in the Local Government Area, who are at the bottom of economic pyramid have been identified for inclusion to access Micro Credit towards boosting their businesses.

“At the inception of my first tenure, we renovated the Council Secretariat to give it a befitting face look. Thereafter, embarked on the rehabilitation of existing boreholes within the Local Government Area with a view to providing portable water for our people. After the renovations, it was observed that the renovated boreholes were insufficient, the Council then embarked on the construction/ sinking of 21-water scheme across the wards in the Local Government Area and many more water projects are in different stages of completion. Including other infrastructural project that would give our people a new lease of life. This includes provision of solar light, provision of furniture to some schools, renovation of schools, rehabilitation of roads, Construction of a befitting Chairman’s Residential Quarters and many more projects.

“You may recall, also that my administration, being poised towards changing the narrative of the cosmopolitan city of Warri, hosted the first and second Warri Economic Summits wherein captains of industries, were gathered to redesign the road map of Warri.

“The beneficiaries / recipients were drawn from the National Social Register of Delta State through the Community Based Targeting (CBT) identifying the poor and vulnerable in the communities of Warri South Local Government Area. The Council thereafter decided to empower 250 beneficiaries carefully selected across the Local Government Area Fifty (50) of the recipients today would be engaging in Point of Sales (POS) operation. They will in this programme receive their POS machines and direct transfer of Seventy Thousand Naira (N70,000) to enable them carry out their businesses, while 200 recipients would receive direct cash transfer of One Hundred Thousand Naira (N100,000) each to support their businesses.

“Permit me to announce to you that more of this empowerment programme would be coming up in no distant time, however; the continuity of this empowerment would be determined by how judicious and efficient the recipients today would put the resources to use. We will be encouraged to do more when we observe that recipients are committed to their business. Remember, the council has the details of all the recipients as such, would be monitoring the extent to which this opportunity will be utilised by the beneficiaries. Possibly, in the subsequent empowerment programme, some of them who will distinguish themselves would be invited for brief recognition. It is hoped that this empowerment programme will rejuvenate the spirit of commerce in the Local Government Area”, the Warri South Council Boss, explained.

He used the occasion to advise eligible voters yet to collect their Permanent Voter card, to take advantage of the extension announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to enable them vote credible leaders in the forthcoming polls.

Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Chineye Sunday, commended the Dr. Michael Tidi administration for the gesture, assuring that the financial support would be judiciously deployed.

Highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of PoS machines and prototype cheques to some of the micro-entrepreneurs by Dr. Michael Tidi, Vice Chairman of Warri South Local Government, Chief (Mrs.) Divine Iniovosa, Chairperson of Warri South Local Government, Mrs. Juliet Tidi, Chief Omolubi Newuwumi, who represented the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, Chief Francis Ugbejevun, who represented the Ovie of Agharha-Warri, Chief (Dr.) Roland Oritsejafor, Political Adviser to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, Hon. Omimi Esquire, Rev. Canon David Otofia, Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party in Warri South Local Government, Mr. Johnson Agbeyegbe, Hon. Griftson Omatsuli, Mr. Amah Agbajoh, as well as representatives of the members representing Warri South Constituencies I and II in Delta State House of Assembly.

An Ijaw leader, Amb Prince Ebi Fetimi has congratulated the new paramount ruler of Egbema Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Amb. Meshack E. A. Ubabiri, Bini Pere IV, Agadagba of Egbema Kingdom, in Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State.

Fetimi, a notable leader from Egbema kingdom, in a statement on Sunday, in Abuja, commended the Delta State Government for the presentation of Staff of Office to the new Agadagba.

He noted that with the presentation of Staff of Office to the Agadagba, it is necessary for all sons and daughters of Egbema to embrace peace and work in unity for the growth and development of the kingdom.

According to him, ” His Royal Majesty, Amb. Meshack E. A. Ubabiri, Bini Pere IV, Agadagba of Egbema Kingdom, has been officially recognized by the Delta State Government and a Staff of Office presented to the new monarch. It is my sincere wish and appeal to every true sons and daughters from Egbema Kingdom, to come together and plan for the future of the kingdom.”.

” I will appeal to all the chiefs, men, women, youths and elderly to support and work with the Agadagba on how to develop the kingdom. It is time to harness the God-given potential and resources of the kingdom to benefit the people, their lives and communities.”

Egbema is an oil rich Ijaw kingdom, partly Delta state and Edo State.

The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN has considered the general public outcry and concern making them the apex bank to finally extend the deadline for the exchange of old naira notes by 10 days.

In a press statement issued on Sunday, January 29, 2023,  Godwin Emefiele, the CBN governor, said the new deadline is February 10, 2023.

This is a developing story expect more details……..