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Election Crisis: Okere Community Youths Take Protest To Olu Of Warri In Delta

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Area News Nigeria
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By: Our Correspondent

 

Okere Community youths in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State Thursday December 1, 2022 staged a peaceful protest to the palace of the Olu of Warri Kingdom,His Imperial Majesty. Ogiame Atuwatse III CFR, saying hoodlums are trying to frustrate the electoral process into the youth body of the organization.

The youths chanted solidarity songs and matched from Okere Community to the palace of the revered monarch.

The youths also beard placards with inscriptions such as,”if you nor qualify, you nor qualify”, “if you’re disqualified by the electoral body, you stand disqualified”, “the decision taken by the electoral body must prevail”, “The Ogieboro in Council led by Chief. E F. Esisi is the highest decision making body of Okere Community”, “Okere Community youth body get constitution”, “if you’re not a youth, stay away from Okere youth politics. You are our problem” and Omo-Ologbo youth Association of Okere is strictly for youths from age 18-40″.

The youths also accused a group of allegedly trying to cause crisis within the community over the youth body’s election with a call for the reinstatement of persons who have been disqualified from the election contests.

The youths insisted that those disqualified remain disqualified by the electoral committee.

They noted that the Ogieboro Chief E.F. Esisi has suspended activities to the elections.

The youths added that they will abide by the decision of the Ogieboro of Okere Community,Chief E.F. Esisi and the elders Council of the Okere Community.

They warned that they will not tolerate any disrespect for the instructions of the Ogieboro.

In a chat with newsmen, the current Chairman of Okere Community, Comrade Lucky Ogbolomo disclosed that the Ogieboro has suspended the activities for the conduct of elections into the youth body of Okere Community.

“The Ogieboro has suspended the process. Until he comes, whatever he says, we all abide to it.”

He warned that,”no nobody have the right to compel him to do otherwise”

Ogbolomo whose tenure comes to an end by January 10,2023 noted that he is not seeking for tenure elongation or reelection into office. “I never begged for an extension not even for one day.”

He accused a group identified as “Concerned Okere Indigenes” of attempting to frustrate the electoral process as well as cause problems within the youth body of Okere Community.

He said they petitioned his leadership before the Warri South Council Chairman, Dr. Michael Tidi and the Nigeria Police Force,NPF, Warri Area Command alleging that he was trying to cause chaos in the Community just as they threatened the electoral committee that there will be a “heavy violence” if they go ahead to conduct the election.

While noting that the Community’s Shrine is its constitution, Ogbolomo said it only accommodate persons within the ages of 18 to 40years of age. According to him,”only these persons can cast their votes and be voted for.”

“The reason we are here is to make our stance clear to our prestigious King,Ogiame, the only respected King worldwide.”

In a response,the Olu of Warri Kingdom,HM. Ogiame Atuwatse III, CFR enjoined the Okere Community Youths to try to continue to maintain the peace in the Community with an assurance that the matter will be resolved amicably in no distant time.

The youths were received at the palace by Chief Eugene Ikomi and Chief Johnson Atseruleghe, the Iyasere of Warri Kingdom on behalf of the Olu of Warri who told them the decision of the Ogieboro was put there as the leader of the Community and whatever decisions he takes is the decision of the revered King, the Olu of Warri Kingdom.

The Secretary of the Okere Community Youth, Comrade Besidone Jonathan Eko and Ebona Tuoyo were amongst the peaceful protesters at the palace.

Governors Steal LG Funds, Buhari Declares

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Area News Nigeria
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President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday indicated that governors steal from local government council allocations.

The President, who spoke extempore after delivering his speech at the presidential parley for members of the Senior Executive Course 44 (2022) of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) at the State House, underscored that personal integrity is fundamental in the operations of government.

He recalled an instance of how a state governor would receive allocation on behalf of council areas in his state only to remit half of such allocation to the council chairmen.

These actions, he said, portrayed the sort of corrupt practices that is now symptomatic of Nigeria in dispensing resources meant for local council administrations, thereby undermining development.

Buhari, in his address according to Channelstv,  congratulated the members of the Senior Executive Course 44 on the successful completion of their course. He challenged them to revitalise and reinvigorate leadership at the various levels of establishments.

 

Sacrilege: Egbema Ijaws demand an apology, Warns Bini Group to stop calling for War

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Area News Nigeria
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Urges Gov Obaseki to immediately arrest divisive illiterates that does not understand the topography and history of Nigeria

 

The Group coalition of Benin socio cultural organization known for mischief making continually desecrating other ethnic nationalities.

Egbema Focus Group (EFG), the social cultural organization of Egbema kingdom, Our attention have been drawn to the sacrilegious act of the Benin Group called coalition of Benin socio cultural organization, violating extant laws of the Edo state Government, and against the most ancient tradition of southern Nigeria, Egbema kingdom, The Agadagba, The Bini Pere, their act is considered a taboo in Egbema culture, The Bini Pere, The Agadagba of Egbema kingdom. This sacrilegious characterization is a result of lack of education, and shows the little knowledge of those jobless cultists having little or no respect for the revered Egbema ancient throne, the Kiri nana-abou, The Ibe-nana-owei, The Idaji.

Recent times, there has been an arrest and detention of persons who headed a group in Benin, alleged to have published false and misleading information against the Edo state Ijaws, and the thrones, the most highest throne in southern Nigeria, The Bini Pere, Agadagba of Egbema kingdom, a Throne even recognized by late Obas of Bini Kingdom.

Firstly, a group called Bini Solidarity Movement (BSM), a socio-cultural and some individuals who committed same sacrilege were arrested, subsequently prominent leaders pleaded, and for the prompt intervention of the Governor of Edo state Mr. Godwin Obaseki in connection to the publication relating to the Edo state Ijaws, the hoodlums were freed some years ago.

Since then, they have changed their name in continuation of nefarious publication and press conferences.

Understandably, those persons arrested attracted scrutiny. while meaningful Bini sons condemned what they see as highhandedness on the part of their low backgrounds, uncultured living and developing hatred their forefathers displayed before they were born,
some have argued that the right to freedom of speech comes with a responsibility to keep within the law and that anyone who fails to keep within accepted boundaries must be subjected to the law.

Egbema Focus Group is through this medium calling on the executive Governor of Edo state His Excellency Mr. Godwin Obaseki to immediately caution, bring the culprit to book to avoid another lingering crisis between Egbema Ijaws and coalition of Benin socio-cultural organization. We are peace loving people, we are ready to maintain the already existing peace between the Ijaws and the Bini’s but we cannot be pushed to the wall.

For the record , Egbema kingdom is an ancient Kingdom in Southern Nigeria. As aborigines, Egbema people transported the Bini’s to and from the Ovia River when they migrated from lle Ife. Egbema Kingdom was a part and parcel of Bendel State before Bendel was split into present Edo and Delta states,the owner of the land, before the Binis migrate from Yoruba land. This is a fact even the Bini speaking people will not be able to eliminate from history books. If the Ijaws calls the Bini’s settlers, it would be better than the Bini’s settlers calling Ijaw aboriginals tenants.

We were peacefully living as Southerners in Nigeria, Edo state was formed on August 27, 1991 when Bendel State was split into Edo and Delta States. The northern portion of Bendel state, as present Edo state the traditional headquarters of Egbema kingdom Ajakurama town, Ofunama, Abere, Gbeoba, Jamagie 1&2, Gbolukanga town, in Ovia south west LGA were balkanized into Edo state, while the southern Bendel that is Egbema Kingdom was also balkanized into Delta state, example of Egbema Kingdom southern Bendel communities in the present day Delta state are; Opuama/Polobubou, Abadigbene, Ogbudugbudu, Ogbinbiri, Itagnene, Awanba, and Asigborodor communities in Warri North local Government Area of Delta state. Prior to this, in 1963, the citizens of the territory had voted to separate from what was then the Western region, and the Mid-West region was created. This became Mid-Western state following the federal reorganization in 1967; from a second reorganization in 1976 until its division in 1991, it was named Bendel state.

The major first languages spoken in the state are Edo, Etsako, Esan and Owan, Akoko Edo,Okpameri language and Ijaw. Edo State is home to several ethnicities, among them the Bini, Esan, Afemai, Emai, and Ijaw. The ethnic groups in Edo state, virtually all the groups traced their origin to Edo state, hence their language of the ethnic groups vary with their distance from Benin city, the Benin speaking people most occupied the center of the state, this do not automatically make them to have lordship over other ethnic nationalities, the land now known as Edo state with Benin city as its capital has a long history of civilization.

Egbema Focus Group revealed that
Benin Kingdom in Edo state is a Yoruba expansion, said they remained part of the expansive Yoruba race which is a fact known by reasonable and notable Bini sons.

The group made the comment in reaction to a statement credited to the coalition of Benin socio cultural organization, challenging the claim by the group that the Oba of Benin remains the paramount king of Edo state, and environs.

Egbema Focus Group via a statement by his Director of Public Affairs, Tamara-Ebi Idaji, made available to Areanewsng.com  said , they were not interested in any supremacy battle with anyone but that he would continue to put the records straight and avoid distortion of history from any quarters.

The social cultural organization, Egbema Focus Group, said going by historical evidence detailing the Oduduwa lineage, Benin Kingdom remained part and parcel of Oduduwa House, they are Tennant of Egbema Ijaws who paddled and continually crossed them to and fro Udo via Ovia River.

“We the ancient Edo Ijaws have always seen and regarded the Benin kingdom as part and parcel of Oduduwa children. They are brothers and sisters, coupled with historical facts to back up this position,” EFG said,

“The statement credited to the coalition of Benin socio cultural organization, did not emanate from oba of Benin palace, but the reality is that as a highly experienced and well informed social cultural organization EFG, we are bonafide descendant of Egbema Kingdom, we can’t be silent over the childish and malicious statement that misleads the general public.

“Let me emphasize for the umpteenth time that the Agadagba of Egbema kingdom is less concerned over any supremacy hullabaloo. His only interest for now in how the sacred throne of Egbema kingdom can explore measures through which the collective interest and genuine unity among Ijaws and other tribes within the different ethnic nationalities in Edo and Delta states can be enhanced.

However, the Egbema focus group resolved to build bridges of harmony among Ijaws and other tribes in Edo state, Egbema kingdom is resolutely committed to how Niger Delta ethnic group can restore its glory and pride of position among other ethnic inclinations in Nigeria and don’t want to be dragged into supremacy contest or join issues with anybody.”

Egbema Focus Group, said they recalled that about thirty two (32) years ago, attempt was made by some people and tribes to upturn history and enacting bylaws with influence of some bias and sentimental Government officials relating to Kingship supremacy by way of misunderstanding in creation of local Government Areas, whereby the three local Government areas where Ijaws resides in Edo state, namely; Ovia south, Ovia North East, Ikpoba Okha local Government Areas were hijacked by Edo speaking people. This lingering issues led to supremacy of thrones, the then mid-west region Government compromised and conspired to sideline Egbema kingdom throne, in order to make Egbema king under the lordship of Edo land.

They added that, “We still acknowledge the Binis and their kinsmen, regardless of the attempt to change the course of history. They are from south west and Yoruba , so be it.

The Egbema Focus Group on the installation of the new Agadagba of Egbema kingdom, at Ajakurama town, the traditional headquarters of Egbema kingdom, Ovia south west local Government Area of Edo state, on 13th of November 2022, still rated the Agadagba of Egbema, The Bini Pere, The IV, His Royal Majesty Meshach Ubabiri as the number one monarch in Ijaw Nation .

In their rating, The Bini Pere, The Agadagba of Egbema kingdom, was number one paramount ruler of the principal traditional rulers in Ijaw nation,

But in a swift reaction on Saturday publication of the coalition of Benin socio cultural organization of Benin Kingdom, Tamara-Ebi Idaji rejected the claim and their ranking, saying which partly quote “Let it be categorically stated and known to all men that there is no such place as Egbema kingdom in Edo state and there is only one king and throne in Benin kingdom known to our laws, customs and tradition. It is the throne of the Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo,the Oba of Benin kingdom ,The occupant of that throne today is the well read, unrivalled ,most revered and universally acclaimed king,Oba Ewuare 11, the Ogidigan, the Oba of Benin Kingdom seated on the throne of his fore-fathers long established before the Whites or Westerners ever had contacts with the black race, His domain and dominion of Benin empire stretched beyond most of Southern Nigeria of today before the British invaded Benin Kingdom” This claim to the Egbema Focus Group (EFG) is the highest height of immaturity, stupidity, recklessness, ignorance, and ignition of crisis where there is none. The referendum that created the mid-west state championed by the great Oba Akenzua 11, the grand-father of the present Oba of Benin was the people speaking freely with one voice.

Egbema Focus Group said, “We wanted to discard this report as something that was not necessary at all. We do not see how the Benin groups suddenly woke up to think that the Ijaws are nowhere to be found in Edo state, and compared the most ancient throne of southern Nigeria, with oba of Benin throne.

“There is no basis for such comparison; Oba of Benin has nothing to do with the Ijaw kingship. It is simply unnecessary, unless they simply want to stir up an unnecessary controversy and instigating further crisis.

“We are not part of Benin kingdom, we have never been a part of the Benin empire, we had direct contact with the Portuguese and British during the slave trade and the then oil protectorate, binidodogha port in Egbema is an affirmation. We are Ijaw people, most ancient and First ethnic nationality in Niger Delta region, To be frank, it is because many of them are not willing to come up with the truth.

The title Oba is alien to even the Yoruba monarchy; it is not part of their title from time immemorial.
To put the record straight, Oba of Benin is a recently title, Bini kingdom we have the Ogiso which from Ijaw tribes, for instance, the Oba of Lagos, these are recent adaptations. In the 50s, there was no Oba of Lagos, what we had was the Eleko of Eko. That is the title of the King then. In Ibadan, you have the Olu Ibadan. You come to Abeokuta, you have the Alake of Egba land. You come to Oyo, you have the Alaafin of Oyo. In Ilesha, you have the Owa-Obokun of IIesha. After the pro-yoruba force came to the Benin kingdom and then mid-west region leadership, As expansion of the kingdoms and modernization and Western Education was welcome by southern Nigeria, kingdom gave birth to kingdom, migration and assimilation, then the title came into existence.

When the Western Regional conference of traditional rulers took place in Benin City in 1942, we know the monarchs that attended the conference, the Agadagba of Egbema kingdom was in attendance of the conference, including then Oba of Benin.

“So it is an unnecessary excursion, an unnecessary attempt to turn history upside down by the Benin groups by classifying the Oba of Benin as the lordship of Edo state, whereby the Governor of the state is the Hierarchy office of the state, we are not operating monarchical system of Government, every ethnic nationalities in Nigeria are custodial of their culture, this provocative and uncultured group should stop misleading and instigating crisis between Ijaw and Binis, the Ijaws are peaceful people who believe in communal living, but the most important thing is that Ijaw Nation has never been defeated not even by the Portuguese nor the British nor by indigenous ethnicities nationwide, we are not afraid of anyone. Egbema people are well dangerous warriors when pushed to the wall bounce back. A word is enough for the wise.

Fortify Security In Asaba, Oshimili Council Boss, Ezeyili Charges NSCDC

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Area News Nigeria
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By: Ella Tarere

*Commends Delta NSCDC, promises logistics support, others 

Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps NSCDC Delta State Command have been charged to redouble its efforts in the fight against crime and criminality in the State particularly the Oshimili South Local Government Metropolis.

This  charge was handed down  by the Executive Chairman of Oshimili South Local Government Area,  Hon. Dr Obi kelvin Ezeyili when he received the Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps,  Dsc Emeka Peters Okwechime in his office in Asaba  the administrative headquarters of Oshimili South Local Government Council.

In his remark, the  Oshimili South Council Boss Hon Dr Obi Kelvin Ezeyili described  the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps as a force to reckon with. Hon Ezeyinli used the opportunity to urge the NSCDC to fortify Security apparatus within and outside the State Capital

The Oshimili South LGA Boss, promised to provide the necessary logistics, supports needed to ensure that the agency functions maximally within the locality.

In his response, the State Public Relations Officer of the NSCDC DSC Emeka Peters Okwechime, commended Hon Ezenyili for his pragmatic leadership styles, commitment and contributions towards security in the protection of life and property of his area..

The NSCDC Image Maker, said  his boss, the State Commandant of the NSCDC Akinsanya Iskilu Abiodun is passionately committed in the fight against crime and criminality , maintaining peace and order and, adding that  his boss is proud of the Council Chairman for his  exemplary leadership, despite being the youngest Local government Chairman in modern history whose attributes are worthy of emulation.

While presenting the score card of the NSCDC, DSC Okwechime said pointed out that  the agency has ‘walked it talks in the fight against crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism, unregister privates guard security out fits and a host of others in the State’.

The hallmark of the visit was the presentation of the NSCDC Mandates to the Oshimili Council boss Hon Dr Obi Kelvin Ezeyili , the Leader of the Oshimili South Legislative Arm Hon Micheal Okonji , and the Head of Personnel Management HPM, Mrs Chidima Idaho.

INYC TO FG: STOP MARGINALIZING ITSEKIRI, GIVE US NDDC CHAIRMANSHIP POSITION  UNCONDITIONALLY

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Area News Nigeria
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The apex Itsekiri Youth body, the Itsekiri National Youths Council, INYC has urged the federal government of Nigeria to as a matter of urgency give the chairmanship position of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC unconditionally to somebody from the Itsekiri ethnic nationality in the spirit of fairness, equity and Justice.

They posited that both the Chairman and Managing Director in the composition of the new board of the NDDC is a calculated attempt to subjugate the oil bearing people of Warri kingdom by the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.

President of Itsekiri National Youths Council Worldwide, INYC, Comrade Isaac Oritseweyinmi Agbateyiniro, said for the sake of equity, justice and fair play, that they are urging the federal government to look into the Act Establishing the NDDC, the rotational principles by Alphabetical order of the oil producing states and the principle of oil production quantum, adding that it is in agreement with the federal Character Act and No. 3 and 4 of article (14) of Chapter 2 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended which states as follow;

“The composition of the Government of the Federation or any of its agencies and the conduct of its affairs shall be carried out in such a manner as to reflect the federal character of Nigeria and the need to promote national unity, and also to command national loyalty, thereby ensuring that there shall be no predominance of persons from a few State or from a few ethnic or other sectional groups in that Government or in any of its agencies

“The composition of the Government of a State, a local government council, or any of the agencies of such Government or council, and the conduct of the affairs of the Government or council or such agencies shall be carried out in such manner as to recognise the diversity of the people within its area of authority and the need to promote a sense of belonging and loyalty among all the people of the Federation”

According the INYC Boss, Comrade Agbateyiniro , the principle of rotation by states in the NDDC has completed its first cycle where the itsekiri ethnic nationality has been evidently short changed or overlooked severally.

He expressed curiously, for the second leg and the imminent inauguration of the new board, noting that the Itsekiri ethnic nationality has once again raised their minority voices and take their peaceful struggles to the doorsteps of all the relevant authorities in the country to be accorded their God-given rights and privileges as determined by the NDDC Act.

INYC in their statement signed by the President ComradevIsaac Oritseweyinmi Agbateyiniro and Comrade Appearance Afejuku, Secretary-General, INYC and made available to Areanewsng.com read in parts: “We have stated for the umpteenth time that by divine providence, it is the turn of Delta State to produce both the Chairman and Managing Director of the NDDC and going by the provisions of all extant laws, the Itsekiri ethnic nationality by virtue of being the highest producer of crude oil and gas in Delta and Edo States and being the second highest producer of Oil and Gas in Nigeria deserves to be appropriately rewarded.

“Juxtaposing Part IV of the NDDC Act vis a vis the aforementioned, which reads, “there shall be for the Commission, a Managing Director, and two Executive Directors who shall be indigenes of oil producing areas starting with the member states of the Commission with the highest production quantum of oil and shall rotate amongst member states in the order of production”, it is evidently stated that nominations should come from only oil producing areas of oil producing states. The President, President Muhammadu Buhari and the Nigeria Senate should consider this as a matter of profound attention going by what we contribute to the industry as cited below;

IOCs

Chevron

Shell

NPDC

Conoil

WRPC

Total Energy Nig. Ltd

etc

Facilities

“The Warri Refinery, The multi-billion dollar Chevron Tank Farm, Ugborodo

“The Ecravos Gas To Liquid (EGTL ) facility, Ugborodo

Shell flow station

“We have numerous crude Oil and Gas tank farms including Matrix Energy, Pinnacle Oil & Gas, A & E Petro, AYM Shafa Energy, Kenonamex Petroleum, Salbas Oil and Gas etc all at Ifiekporo Town, in Warri South LGA.

“The Itsekiri Ethnic Nationality also hosts the Bonga, Okan and other critical major oil fields in Nigeria like Egwa, Odidi, Jones creek, Escravos Beach, Yokri, Meji, Meren, Marun, Abiteye, Saghara, Dibi, Otumara, Ogidigben, Olero Creek, Opumami, Utonana, etc operated by Shell, Chevron, Seplat, consolidated Oil, Neconde and other multinational corporations contributing billion of Dollars to the Nigerian Federation.

“An ethnic group can’t boast of these enabling credentials and yet still being overlooked during nomination or appointment to serve on the board of a critical agency such as the NDDC. This has been our agitation in recent appointments in the NDDC.

“Besides the position of Commissioners hip which other ethnic nationalities have also enjoyed severally and the abridged tenure (18months) of Engr. Tuoyo Omatsuli, former Executive Director Projects, the Itsekiris have not been allowed to enjoy a full tenure as major oil and gas producer in Nigeria.

“It is very correct to state that there will be no NDDC without the Atatutory remittances from IOC’s operating at the various oil and gas producing areas in the Niger Delta region. It will therefore be only appropriate to reason that those who bear the highest burden of the economic sustainability of the nation must be given preferential consideration/treatment on issues of appointment into the NDDC board and that is what the law establishing the NDDC accommodated. To do otherwise by always imposing or promoting the interest of those who produce little or nothing at all over the interest of those who carry such magnitude of burden for the economic sustainability of the nation is not only an infraction/ infringement on the law establishing the NNDC but also an invitation to anarchy and sure recipe for unwarranted crisis.

“In our despair, we can’t help but wonder if our present marginalization was what our forbears foresaw when as ethnic minorities they expressed their fears of ethnic domination, subjugation and suffocation by larger ethnic nationalities in the Nigerian Federation before independence. A concern that led to the Willink’s Commission of inquiry into the minority fears in 1958 and recommended special protection for minorities, as contained in the Mid-Western Constitution of 1964.

“Expectedly, with all the ministerial and other appointments into various MDAs that President Buhari has done since inception of this administration, the Itsekrii nation has not protested despite been shortchanged because all of such appointments reside in the prerogative or discretional power of the office of the president but on this present marginalization of the Itsekiri nationality in the nomination of the NDDC that is stipulated by the NDDC Act itself, we shall surely resist it.

“We make bold to state at this juncture that given our humongous contribution to the economic survival of Nigeria, and given the fact that we have been treated with disdain, disrespect and deprived of our due rights as stipulated in the Constitution and even the NDDC Act, the non-recognition and/or deliberate exclusion of the Itsekiri Ethnic Nationality from the position of Chairman or Managing Director will be resisted with all the legitimate fiber in our veins.

 

OUR DEMANDS:

“1. Deriving our position from all extant laws guiding the oil industry, persons from Itsekiri (foremost oil and gas producing area in Delta state) should immediately be nominated on the list.

“2. Specifically, the position of Chairman, Board of the NDDC zoned to Delta State should be unconditionally given to the Itsekiri ethnic nationility for the huge economic contribution/responsibility she is carrying on behalf of the Nigerian state.

“3. The senate should suspend the screening of all nominees on that list until the right thing is done. We truly deserve to benefit from our labour.

“Accordingly, a Congress of all Itsekiri youths from all oil and gas producing communities both in Delta and Edo states have been fixed as published in our circular dated 24/11/2022 to take immediate actions that will put an end to this unabated serial marginalisation of the Itsekiri Nation over this NDDC board composition and other areas of interest.

Isaac Oritseweyinmi Agbateyiniro,

President, INYC

 

Appearance Afejuku,

Secretary-General, INYC

Aniagwu: DTSG have completed 1000 kilometers of roads, embarked on construction of 26 bridges, coastal market

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Area News Nigeria
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By: Celestine Ukah 

The Commissioner of Information in Delta State, Mr. Charles Aniagwu says the state government have completed the construction of 1000 kilometres of roads out of 1900 kilometers embarked upon since inception of the Okowa led administration in Delta State.

Areanewsng.com can authoritatively  reports that, Mr. Aniagwu made this assertion known Thursday November 24, 2022 during the programme “Democracy Today’ on AIT , he noted that the state government for the past Seven and half years have completed six bridges out of the 26 bridges awarded by the government under their watch and supervision and as well constructed several roads in the riverine parts of the state especially at the oil producing creeks part of the state.

The Information Boss who’s also one of the Spokesperson to Atiku Abubakar the PDP presidential candidate for 2023 poll, said Okowa the Vice Presidential Candidate of the PDP has taken development to the oil bearing communities of Delta and has transformed the areas like no other administration in the state.

Mr. Aniagwu also mentioned storm drainage projects in Warri and its environs payment of pensioners, building of Oghoye floating market in Warri North among other notable projects and infrastructure upliftment as some main achievements of Governor Okowa in Delta State for the past seven years.

He stressed that the APC in Delta has nothing to campaign about , noting that “whenever we explain what we are doing it is because we love our people”. He added.

10Km Race: Pam, Gyang emerged winners at Effurun/Warri Peace Marathon in Delta

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Area News Nigeria
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There was wild jubilation at the Warri Township Stadium as Deborah Pam and Emmanuel Gyang emerged winners of the female and male category of the Warri/Effurun Peace Marathon.

The winners partook in a ten(10) kilometre race.

In a chat with newsmen, Deborah Pam expressed happiness winning the race.

She said her major challenges as an athlete is lack funding and training facilities. Pam appealed to the Federal Government to support athletes by providing them with the relevant training facilities with funds as backing.

Pam also commended the organizers of the Warri/Peace Marathon led by Barr (Mrs.) Joyce Bozimo for the supports she has given her so far.

Also in a chat with newsmen,Emmanuel Gyang, an official of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC who emerges winner of the male category thanked God for his victory at the peace Marathon.

He said injuries has been his major challenges as an athlete in the Country.

He expressed  happiness that despite the injuries he was able to partake and win this year’s contest.

He commended  the organizers of the Warri/Effurun Peace Marathon saying Barr. Mrs. Joyce Bozimo had always been a mother to him with the kind of hospitality and love she showers on him as an athlete. He prayed God Almighty to bless and uplift her.

Gyang also thanked the Delta State Government for the supports rendered to him thus far. According to him,”Delta is my home” just as he appealed that such supports should be accorded other athletes of the federation.

Our Correspondent who covered the event reports that Deborah Pam finished the race at about 35:09sec to cling the first position. Hundung Gyang finished the race at 36:41sec to take the second position while Blessing Shambor ended the race to take the third position for the women category.

They won cash prices ranging from three hundred thousand, five hundred thousand and one million naira respectively.

Emmanuel Gyang finished the race at 30:38sec to cling the first position for the male category while Ishmael Sagio ended the race at 30:40sec to take second position. Paul James also ended the race well to come third.

Our Correspondent also reports that Victory George and Clifford Favour who have passed through the Warri/Peace Marathon are abroad doing very well.

Winners for the locals inside, Favour Adewale who took first position as she finished the race at about 47:30sec. Precious Efehun finished at 49:52sec while Hope Mosse ended the race at 50:11sec for the women category

In a chat with newsmen, the Initiator of the Warri/Effurun Peace Marathon, Barr (Mrs.) Joyce Bozimo said she will continue to raise future athletes in the Country as well as solicit for the assistance of government and private companies in Warri and it’s environs in bringing about peace and unity.

While noting that businesses and sports will not thrive if there is no peace, Barr. Bozimo said she’s using sports as an avenue to bring about peace.

According to Barr. Bozimo,”Sports does not recognize color or religion or who you are. We are all the same when it comes to sports. We are using this avenue to bring about peace and unity and also to raise future champions.”

She spoke on the challenges she’s been facing as the organizer of the Warri/Effurun Peace Marathon.

“We have many, many challenges because it costs so much money. When I started, I didn’t know it will cost millions. The Delta State Government give us a token. This year, we have not seen it yet and goodwill individuals give us.

“This year, it was Lee Engineering that came to our rescue and by the time we finish, we will be owing. Since I started, everytime we finish the race, I am owing. Am looking for money to pay. But,I still go on raising future people, great athletes, future champions by bringing about peace and unity. So, in the end, commerce is thriving. Offcourse, all that has gone will come in.”

In a remark, the Delta South Senatorial Candidate of the New Nigerian People’s Party, NNPP, Commodore Omatseye Nesiama promised to make the Warri/Effurun Peace Marathon one of the biggest sports event if he emerges as the lawmaker representing the people of the area.

“It’s going to be one of my first in my senatorial agenda. We will start attracting investors to the area. 2023, I will join Mrs. Joyce Bozimo to make sure that the event gets international rating by the special grace of God.”

Commodore Nesiama thanked Barr.(Mrs.) Bozimo for organizing the programme say,”I know that this event still has a lot preparation.

The Tompolo Foundation led by High Chief Oweizide Government Ekpemupolo alias Tompolo was amongst sponsors of the Warri/Effurun Peace Marathon.

Shalom Baptist Church Ekpan ready for 2022 end of year Thanksgiving Service

By
Area News Nigeria
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By: Celestine Ukah 

Shalom Baptist Church, off Pipeline road, Refinery Area, Ekpan, Delta State of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, NBC is fully ready for this year 2022 end of the year Thanksgiving service.

According to the Chairman Thanksgiving Committee, Bro. David Akhirome, the Thanksgiving Service will be holding Sunday November 27, 2022 at Shalom Baptist Church, Ekpan starting from 9am prompt.

He enjoined all members and the general public to come join them in thanking God for all His goodness and protections, grace and favours in 2022 as well as prepare themselves going forward into 2023.

Secretary of the Church PST. James Uvietesivwi disclosed that the theme for the end of the year Thanksgiving service is “Supernatural Provisions by Thanksgiving” Psalm 23 and 1Thess. 5::18.

The statement from the Church end of year Thanksgiving Committee added that the Minister of God in charge of Shalom Baptist Church, God Oracle, Pst Maj Bright Opate shall be ministering on the Supernatural Provisions by Thanksgiving along side the Shalom Baptist Church Choir, Shalom Voices among other varieties.

Ijaw/Itsekiri  Unity  tournament:  it’s Delta Grassroots Sports for Youth Development- Mulade, hails participants others 

By
Area News Nigeria
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*Says Quarter final, Semis  to hold November 25, 28,  December 3 respectively

 

Ugborodo:  Niger Delta born enviromentalist and development advocate, Comrade Chief Mulade Sheriff has hailed all the communities that are participating in the ongoing Ijaw/Itsekiri Peace and Unity Football Tournament for their commitment and dedication towards sustainable peaceful coexistence, “which has encouraged us to do more for our people.”

After 24 matches with 59 goals in the group stage, all is now set for quarter finals of the 3rd edition of the Ijaw and Itsekiri Peace and Unity Cup FIESTA, 2022.

The competition kicked off with an opening ceremony on the 16th of Nov, 2022, and witnessed improved quality of play. It has recorded more goals compared to the same stage in the second edition.

Ogidigben CFC’s 5-0 win over Ode-Itsekri is the single biggest scoreline from the group stage of this year’s edition of the competition.

*How it Has Been:*

In group one, Oboghoro CFC finished top with five points, while Kolokolo CFC pushed Ugborodo to second place with a better goal difference after both sides garnered four points each and Ubeji CFC finished bottom with three points.

In group three, Benekrikru CFC beat Ogbe-Ijoh CFC to take the top position on a better goal difference after they finished with seven points each, while Diebire CFC is third with three points.

In group two, Ebrohimi CFC finished with a perfect record in the group phase with nine points, Ogidigben CFC came second with six points, while Ode-Itsekiri and Jakpa/Tebu finished third and fourth with 3 points and no point respectively.

Group four proved the toughest as only two points separated Okerenkoko CFC which finished top with five points, and Kurutie CFC in second place with four points. Oporoza came third with three points, while Opuama/Polobubor CFC ended fourth with two points.

*QUARTER FINALS:*

The last eight of the competition billed to start on the 25th of November, will see Oboghoro CFC take on Ogidigben CFC, Ebrohimi CFC will tackle Kolokolo CFC. Benikrukru will hope to get one point over Kurutie CFC when they meet, while Okerenkoko CFC will tackle Ogbe-Ijoh CFC.

The semi finals will hold on the 28th of November, while the final will take place on the 3rd of December 2022.

Senate Okays N48bn Pipeline Surveillance Contract To Tompolo

By
Area News Nigeria
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*Says Nothing Wrong With Decision In Engagement Of Tompolo

 

The Senate has endorsed the N48 billion oil pipeline surveillance contract awarded by the Federal Government to former leader of the Mivement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta High Chief Government Ekpemupolo (alias Tompolo).

The Chairman, Senate Committee on Petroleum (Upstream), Albert Akpan, made the disclosure while speaking with journalists shortly after presenting the report of Senate ad hoc Committee on Oil Lifting, Theft and the Impact on Petroleum Production and Oil Revenues.

 

The Senator stated that there was nothing wrong with the decision of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), and the Federal Government to engage non-state actors to secure oil pipelines as far as the contract was achieving the objective for its award.

He said that with the award of the contract an appreciable level of achievement had been made in the fight against the scourge of oil theft.

He stressed that the recent engagement of the pipeline surveillance contract to address oil theft is yielding positive results with noticeable increase in the country’s oil production capacity.

The Senator who commended the NNPCL for the decision said that 500,000 barrels and 87,000 barrels of crude oil per day have been restored in Forcados and Bonny terminals respectively.

He said that the Forcados and Bonny terminals which are major export facilities had not been operational for over seven months because of the oil theft and pipeline vandalism until the decision to engage the security firms.

He recalled that the oil theft had reduced the country’s oil production capacity and a caused a loss of Two billion Dollar to the country since January.

“There are both formal and informal approaches to solving the issue. If that contract was contracted duly and processed, we don’t have any issue with it and if it yields desired outcomes, I don’t think there is anything wrong in it.

“We commend the NNPCL for the action. As we speak, the Forcado terminals have restored 500,000 barrels a day to our national production.

“Just about five days ago, the first 87,000 barrels a day was received at the Bonny terminals. So, things are getting better.

“This means that the abridged intervention done recently by government have yielded positive results because the production would have been shortened and you could imagine the effect on investment because investors will hold back if they cannot derive maximum profits from their investments.”

The Senate had earlier adopted at plenary the recommendations of the ad-hoc committee that the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) should resume full regulatory oversight of all existing crude oil terminals in Nigeria

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