Asaba Holds Egwu Ota In Honour of Late Iyase of Asaba

**As  Emeka Onyeobi says his father’s wisdom helps him overcome challenges in life

By Patrick Ochei

The first biological son of the late Iyase of Asaba, Mr. Emeka Christopher Onyeobi has said that the wisdom bequeathed to him by his father has continued to guide and help him in overcoming the challenges of life, describing his father as loving and open minded.

He made the statement in an interview with newsmen at the Ogwa Diokpa Idumuojei just as Asaba community performed the Egwu Ota traditional rite in honour of the late Obi Patrick Isioma Goodluck Onyeobi, being a prominent title holder in the land.

Mr. Emeka Onyeobi relayed his fond memories with his dad to the newsmen, positing that his wise counsels guided him in overcoming youthful exuberance.

His words, “My father taught me a lot; I learnt prudence and responsibility under his tutelage. In my first year in the university, I had returned home in the first month to demand for another allowance after I had been settled for that month. My father sat me down, taught me a huge lesson that I can never forget, making me understood that whatever he was to give me would cover for the next month, that he had already taken care of that particular month that I ran back home.

“That made me to sit up and manage with whatever I had. He was so loving and open hearted, not only to his children but to all who encountered him. He was such a blessing to us. His fond memories were life changing, which had more or less become like a structure for all of us. From his teachings, I knew I am not in competition with anybody; the only person I’m in competition with is myself.

“I know that the shoes he left behind are too big for me or any other person to fit in, but I have his wisdom to continue to guide me. I have children now who are already living on their own, same wise counsel I am transferring to them”, Onyeobi Junior posited.

The Eqwu Ota is a very significant traditional dance in Asaba Kingdom, especially for title holders and women above 60 years of age.

From an underground understanding, the dance comes with seven stanzas during the burial of a title holder. The first stanza is called the ‘Egwu Nmor’ which no human dances to except those that have transited. The second stanza is played for the first daughter (Ada) to dance to, before the elderly people can now dance to the third stanza up to the sixth stanza.

The seventh stanza is called the ‘Egwu Diokpa’ which is for the eldest son to dance to, after which any other person can begin to participate.

The Egwu Ota ceremony witnessed the attendance of eminent title holders in Asaba, starting from Ndi Obi, Ndi Ogbu, Ndi Okwulegwe, Umuada, the Olinzeles and others, all looking radiantly dressed in white and radiating royal ambience.

Inflation: Delta Approves Upward Review Of Contracts Sum of some projects

Delta State Government, on Friday June 14, 2024 approved the upward review of contract sum of some of its projects that are at various stages of completion across the state.

The Commissioner for Information, Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza disclosed this while briefing journalists on some of the decisions reached at the State Executive Council (EXCO) meeting presided over by the Governor, Rt. Hon Sheriff Oborevwori in Asaba the state capital.

Dr. Osuoza said the upward review of the contract sum of the affected projects was largely precipitated by fluctuations in unit rate for the balance and additional works.

He disclosed that the State Exco approved the upward review of the contract sum for the construction of drainage channels from Owa – Alero and environs through Owa – Alizomo and Owa – Ofie to link iyi ama stream in Ika North East Local Government Area of the state due to change of scope, additional works and changes in unit rates.

According to him, Exco gave approval for the upward review of the contract sum for the construction of roads in Effurun and Ekpan in Uwvie Local Government Area of the state, due to fluctuations in unit rate, change in scope resulting in additional works for maintenance, rehabilitation, reconstruction and construction of roads in the area.

“We also approved the upward review for the construction of Stadium Road, Ugborodo in Warri South West Local Government Area due to increase in the cost of construction materials and equipment.

“Exco approved the upward review of the contract sum for the construction of phases l and ll of Jeremiah Street, Nwawolo Road/Franca Nkem Okolo Drive/Sir Obiora Obidigwe Street and a discharge drain to Ngozi Ebora Street, Okpanam in Oshimili South Local Government Area due to fluctuations in unit rate for the balance and additional works.

“We also approved the upward review of the contract sum for the balance and additional works for the completion of the dualisation of Ughelli/Asaba Road, sector A, kilometer 0+000 to 39+000 with spur to Oleh,” Dr. Osuoza added.

The Commissioner pointed out that approval was equally given for the upward review of the contract sum for the completion of Ogwashi-Uku to Asaba part of the Ughelli/Asaba Road dualisation, stressing that the state Exco, also, approved the completion of the dualisation of Ughelli – Asaba Road, Sector C 1, kilometer 92+000 to 117+000, Ossisa to Kwale Junction in Ogwashi-Uku.

He added that the State Exco approved the contract for the rehabilitation and asphalt over lay of Oviri Court, Eruiyen, Akugele, Ojedi/Adagbasa Road in Okpe Local Government Area.

Dr. Osuoza noted that the appointment of three traditional rulers in the state were approved by the Exco.

He said; “we approved the appointments of His Royal Majesty, Obi Charles Ikechukwu Abiagum as the Obi of Ubulubu Kingdom in Aniocha North Local Government Area; His Royal Majesty, Elder John Arimoro Alika lbiri as the Okpara-Uku of Idumuesah in Ika North East Local Government Area and His Royal Majesty, Edward Isama Ofuezuem as the Okpara-Uku of Obikwele in Ndokwa East Local Government Area of the state”.

Also speaking during the post Exco press briefing, the Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze said the state government was able to save over N6 billion in the Ughelli/Asaba dualisation project due to the bargaining power of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.

Izeze assured Deltans that the present administration in the state would not compromise standards while ensuring that Deltans got value for their money in project execution.

NPFL Promotion.: Nasarawa’s Deputy Governor, Akabe, Welcomes Heroic Nasarawa United FC

It was a colourful setting in the City of Lafia on Friday evening as the Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State, Dr. Emmanuel Agbadu Akabe, received the State’s football heroes, Nasarawa United, following a successful outing at the just-concluded 2023/24 Nigeria National League Super Eight Play-off competition wherein the team gained promotion to the elite domestic football league, the Nigeria Premier Football League, for the 2024/25 Season.

Nasarawa United returned to top-flight football in the Country after just one season off, actualizing the mandate of the administration of Governor Abdullahi Sule, a feat that was greeted by breathtaking accolades from the supporters and fans of the Club, including the Deputy Governor, who led other top Government functionaries, critical stakeholders as well as political appointees of the current administration to receive the brave ambassadors of the State at his temporary office located inside the old Presidential Lodge, Shendam Road, Lafia.

In his remarks, the Deputy Governor said;

“Our dear gallant soldiers who went to the battle field and returned home with the NPFL ticket without losing any soldier, on behalf of His Excellency, the sports-loving Governor, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, and the very good people of Nasarawa State whom you are representing, we welcome you back home and congratulate you on what you have been able to achieve.

“For us, you are the champions of the Super Eight competition because you played four matches and lost none at regulation times.

“I promised to be with you if you got to the final, and I did!

“The Governor would have loved to be the one to receive you, but after he was briefed that you would return home late in the evening, he decided to direct me to represent him in receiving you as he will personally host you to a special reception by next week when he is back from the Sallah break.

“We thank you for the feat you have been able to achieve. We thank you for the successes recorded, and for carrying the weight of millions of people of the State on your shoulders.

“Now that we have secured the Premier League promotion, we should be working towards going higher, which is the Continental appearance, and by the grace of God, this administration will provide all the necessary supports to attain this target before the 2025/2026 season.”

Akabe praised the individual achievement of the Technical Adviser of the Solid Miners, Coach Usman Adams, who emerged as the ‘Most Disciplined Coach’ of the Super Eight Play-off competition, and urged him to sustain the momentum while keeping focus from distractions.

The Deputy also congratulated the Management, Coaching and Backroom Staff as well as Supporters of Nasarawa United for their resilience, team work and dedication to achieve a common goal.

He equally applauded the Management and Staff of the State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development and the State Football Association for working round the clock to achieve success together.

Akabe made personal donations of One Million and Five Hundred Thousand Naira(N1,500,000.00) to the players, Five Hundred Thousand Naira(N500,000.00) to the Technical Team, Three Hundred Thousand Naira(N300,000.00) to the Management Team, and Two Hundred Thousand Naira(N200,000.00) to the Supporters’ Club.

Earlier, the State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Jafaru Ango, appreciated the Governor and his Deputy for their relentless supports to the team, disclosing that it was through the immense support of the duo that the Solid Miners could return to the Premier League immediately, and pledged to reciprocate the gesture, going forward.

Chairman of Nasarawa United FC, Dr. Othman Ahmed Ibrahim, said he and his team were fulfilled for meeting the mandate of the Governor and Government of the State by qualifying the team to the Premier League.

He noted that despite not winning the Super Eight title, the team has not embarrassed the State as the main assignment was to promote to the elite league.

The Club’s Supremo promised to continue to do everything humanly possible to meet the mandates of the Governor Abdullahi Sule-led administration for the progress of the State, even as he appreciated all those who continue to stand by the team to achieve success.

Salisu Galadima ‘Basira’, Chairman of Nasarawa State Football Association, on his part, congratulated the Governor, his Deputy and people of Nasarawa State for the milestone achievement, disclosing that it was the seamless platform created by the Sule-led administration that is birthing a new zest in sports development in the State, adding that Nasarawa would be home to all the leagues in the Country next season, emphasizing the promotion of FC Basira from the Nationwide League One to the second tier league, the NNL, while WAN-Agara will participate in the NLO Division One category, as Nasarawa Amazons feature prominently in the Nigeria Women’s Premier League.

The FA Chairman reiterated the support of his Board towards the development of football and football activities in the State in line with the blueprints of the Sule administration for sports.

Captain of the Solid Miners and former Nigerian junior international, King Osanga, expressed the gratitude of his teammates to the Governor, his Deputy, the Management and Staff of the Club, Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, the Supporters’ Club, the State Football Association as well all various stakeholders for standing by them to achieve success.

He said they would work assiduously to justify their promotion in the elite domestic league and signpost their presence in CAF’s inter-club Competition.

Eche Amos, Media Officer of Nasarawa United Football Club reports that Nasarawa United secured promotion to the 2024/25 Nigeria Premier League Season after winning all three of their Northern Conference’s games in the Super Eight Play-offs, topping with nine points.

Let us apply two Federating system of government – former governor Fayemi recommends 

By: Editor : Celestine Ukah 

The former governor of Ekiti State Southwest Nigerian, Dr. Kayode Fayemi has suggested that Nigeria should operate only two Federating system of government in order to move forward.

Dr. Fayemi stated this Friday June 14, 2024 on ChannelsTv Politics Today , he noted that with the federal and sub national state government the local government will be well managed as the state government will disburse resources judiciously to the local government councils.

While responding to questions put forward to him on Local Government Autonomy, Dr. Fayemi responded that the constitution has made it the way it is currently allowing governors to operate it as it is, adding that the case federal government took to the Supreme court was same President Tinubu then as Lagos Governor took FG to Court when he created 37 LCDAS in Lagos , he’s however wondering if the supreme court will rule against itself .

He denied tampering with local government funds while in office as governor but didn’t hold brief for other governors allegedly deeping hands into local government councils funds in their various states.

Nigeria may lose $27.2bn investment in Escravos Seaport Complex due to FG, Delta Govt final approval-Okoja

**Says investors are ready to commit funds for commencement of project as Imo, Bayelsa, Edo others are beneficiaries

Mercury Maritime Concession Company (MMCC) says Nigeria is on the verge of losing $27.29 billion investment in Escravos Seaport Industrial Complex (ESIC) project in Delta state and seven other states by the end of June.

In a statement on Tuesday June 11, 2024 by Andrew Okoja, whose firm is the concept developer and lead promoter of the ESIC project, said the offer may be lost due to the prolonged delay of final approval for the project’s take-off from the federal government and Delta state.

He said the investors are ready to commit funds for the commencement of the project.

Okoja added that the slow pace in providing the necessary approvals may lead to Nigeria missing out on the desired creation of job opportunities for the citizens.

“EDIB International of Hong Kong had early this year expressed its willingness to invest USD $27.29bn to develop the ESIC project whose deep seaport will be located in Escravos (Gbaramatu Island/Omadino) Warri south-west local government area of Delta state; a development to be effected through joint venture partnership (JVP) with a Nigerian firm Mercury Maritime Concession Company Limited (MMCC),” Okoja said.

“In its first commitment letter dated 19/01/2024 communicated to MMCC through Chief Kwame Springer the Chairman of EDIB International Ltd the financing company and their consultancy Blue Dot Wealth Limited, outlined EDIB International group’s risk assessment and requirements for successful funding to be granted demanded the securing and protection of their investment by a guarantee of the federal government to control the proliferation of free trade zone in the country.

“It will be recalled that the development of Escravos Seaport Industrial Complex (ESIC) project commenced in 2019 and aims to develop 31,000 hectares of Delta state land into a deep seaport, crude oil refinery, gas complex, independent power plant (IPP), airport, nature park, etc.”

Okoja said the project is a development that promises to massively open up the states involved, including Abuja, to international investment in trade, commerce and industry.

“ESIC will transform Delta state economy and those of ESIC beneficiary states from a rural-driven economy with sprinklings of urban development to a metropolis-driven economy of international dimension,” he said.

“ESIC project is a non-solicited public-private partnership (PPP) driven project regulated by Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) laws of the federal government of Nigeria.

“It is modelled after the Lekki Deep Seaport/Free Trade Zone (FTZ) to serve the marine/economic interest of the Niger Delta, eastern and some northern states of the country specifically to solve the perennial port congestion problems in Nigeria.”

ESIC PROJECT PART OF LAGOS-CALABAR ROAD

The promoter said the ESIC project is complementary to the ongoing Lagos – Calabar coastal road, adding that the protection sought is a 50-year renewable concession lease.

Okoja said this concession must be extended to 99 years for all other infrastructure and land to build own operate and transfer (BOOT) of ESIC deep seaport – a free trade zone project which the federal government provisional approval was granted to MMCC in November 2020.

“Secondly, it is also consequent upon the May 2022 Delta state government (DTSG) expression of willingness (provisional approval) to lease 31,000 hectares of land located at Escravos and Omadino to MMCC to host the entire ESIC project,” he said.

“The uniqueness of ESIC/ESIC deep seaport/Free Trade Zone (FTZ) development is that it incorporates the development of road, rail and marine connectivity approach to the hinterland destinations in order to optimize cargo flow through to ESIC/ESIC deep seaport that will see (1). The construction of a road from Warri Sapele Expressway linking at a point near Koko junction – (45 kilometres). ROAD: ESIC seaport – Warri Sapele Expressway to link at a point near Koko junction – (45 kilometres).

“The construction of rail from ESIC seaport to Warri – (45 kilometres) to join the existing Warri – Ajaokuta – Itakpe and the construction of Itakpe – Abuja (New 90 kilometres rail construction) to terminate at a port district which will host the development of Abuja Dry Port.

“Marine Highway: the opening of the marine highway (River Niger Canal) from ESIC seaport to Baro in Niger State (600 kilometres). This will include the construction of (7) seven inland/dry port that will be serviced by rail and located thus: Bayelsa state (Nun River), Imo state (Oguta Lake), Delta State (Okegbele), Ebu – Inyele Edo/Delta state (Idah), Kogi state and dry port (FCT – Abuja).

“These states will have equity ownership in ESIC projects by virtue of this shareholding status.”

Okoja, therefore, urged the federal government and Delta state to take advantage of the three weeks grace period before the expiration of this deadline to act otherwise the funds set aside for ESIC will be diverted to other needy African nations.

WUEDA DG, Ejinyere Commends Ugborikoko Community, Seeks Mutual Cooperation In Executing Govt Projects

The Director General of Warri Uvwie and Environs Special Area Development Agency WUEDA, Hon. Prince Godwin Ejinyere has commended the people of Ugborikoko Community in Uvwie LGA of Delta State for the mature and peaceful manner in which they handled development issues, adding that “if things continue this way, there will be no problems.”

Prince Ejinyere gave the commendation on Tuesday 11th June, 2024, while playing host to a delegation of Ugborikoko Community who paid him a courtesy visit in his office at DDPA Housing Estate.

He told the delegation that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s MORE Agenda covered the entire Delta State and was determined to get things right. He said Ugborikoko would soon benefit from the 3rd phase of the State Govt’s flood control projects as from the end of June, 2024.

“After the construction of the drains, we will partner with Uvwie Council Chairman on how to assist your community to meet your power, health and water needs but you should remain peaceful as you had always been,” he said.

The WUEDA DG noted that after the drains had been constructed, road construction and rehabilitation projects would follow. “Please let brotherly love continue. Embrace dialogue and shun violence. Do not disturb contractors executing projects in your community,” he advised.

On the community’s requests for WUEDA’s intervention, Prince Ejinyere said the Agency had told the contractor handling the drainage project to carry the community along but advised them to demonstrate capacity in order to make themselves useful and relevant.

Hon. Prince Ejinyere, former Chairman of Okpe Local Govt, and the Duke of Orerokpe District, stressed the need for the people to give maximum cooperation to the contractor, and make the best use of the opportunity. “You must shun acts of violence because Governor Sheriff Oborevwori forbids and sees violence as an enemy of progress and development,” Ejinyere posited.

The WUEDA DG urged the people to protect all State Government projects in their area, and warned against constructing illegal structures across or on drainage channels. “Let’s join forces to ensure the completion of the flood control project within its 24-month time frame,” he concluded.

Earlier, the Ugborikoko delegation led by the Community President, Mr. Christian Erifevieme, and Chief Goodluck Egubere, representing the Community Chiefs, appealed to WUEDA to help solve the problem of the overloaded transformer in the community; provide drinkable water in the community health centre; and help to rehabilitate bad roads in the locality.

They commended Hon. Prince Godwin Ejinyere for his good leadership qualities, and pledged the community’s readiness to work in synergy with WUEDA. They appealed to the Agency to engage contractors from the community to execute minor jobs towards empowering the local people.

Present during the visit were a WUEDA Board member, Hon. Isaac Itobi; the Director of Admin and Finance, Mr. Simon Esi; the Director of Projects, Engr. Bemigho Ofoeyenor, and other top officials of the Agency.