OFAAC, Anioma Nation Mourns Passage of Asagba of Asaba, Obi Chike Edozien

The Organisation For the Advancement of Anioma Culture (OFAAC), the umbrella body of Anioma Culture mourns the passage of a Monarch par excellence, His Royal Majesty, Obi (Prof.) Chike Edozien, expressing the grief that the Anioma Nation may never have a resounding, famous and brilliant Traditional Ruler like the Asagba of Asaba again.

In a press statement issued by Arc. Kester Ifeadi as the President of OFAAC, he itemised a number of qualities that distinguished Asagba Prof. Chike Edozien as a rare gem among the personalities that ever occupied various Thrones within the Traditional Institution in Nigeria and beyond.

Asagba Prof. Chike Edozien was a foremost Professor of Medicine with a renowned and viable career in the academia before ascending the Throne of his forebears in 1990.

Since that eventful ascension, he had remained committed to the ideals that bound the people of Asaba and Anioma Nation, nay Delta State and Nigeria together.

Part of that dedicated agenda for communal cohesion was the undiluted crave for a people rooted in and identified by their culture, and of course, his struggles and pursuits for an Anioma State, which as at today, remains a realisable dream.

Asagba Prof. Chike Edozien was a frontline member of the Board of Trustees that stood for the Organisation For the Advancement of Anioma Culture since inception, and he continued to contribute in no small measure, his ideas, suggestions and experiences towards its sustainability for the advancement of Anioma Culture and traditions. He had the inclination that Anioma Culture is foremost and should occupy a centre-stage in the world’s cultural landscape.

Arc. Kester Ifeadi on behalf of OFAAC, stated that “We will indeed miss the royal steam and traditional vibes in terms of advice by the Asagba who truly acted as a father, a guide and a protector to us. He was roundly supportive of all our efforts and never allowed anything untoward came near us.

“He was one in a billion – a resounding world class academic and traditional cynosure whose footprints would remain on the sand of time for generations to reckon with. He was a legend whose life and times can never end by his transition.

“We in OFAAC will miss him dearly. Anioma Nation will miss his fatherly and protective role as a Traditional Ruler. Delta State, Nigeria and Africa will miss his unquantifiable experiences, anchored on peace, unity and development of his people”, OFAAC’s statement read in part.

More Agenda: Osuoza Acknowledges Strategic Importance Of Dopf, Online Media In Driving Oborevwori’s Vision

Delta State Government has pledged more meaningful engagement of online media platforms in ensuring the dissemination of information on its activities to Deltans.

The State Commissioner for Information, Dr Ifeanyi Osuoza, made the pledge today in Asaba while playing host to a delegation of Delta Online Publishers Forum, DOPF.

Dr Osuoza said online media outfits played pivotal roles in promptly reporting the activities of the state government, noting that the speed with which they reported events had endeared them to many Nigerians.

He said he was already used to many of the online platforms and was satisfied with their reportage, promising to carry them along in the discharge of his duties.

The Commissioner told the online publishers to feel free to contact him for clarification on any issue before publication to avoid misinforming the public, which could count against the credibility of their platforms.

Earlier, the Chairman, Delta Online Publishers Forum, DOPF, Mr Emmanuel Enebeli, on behalf of the body, congratulated Dr Osuoza on his well deserved appointment as Information Commissioner, noting that he proved his mettle as the spokesperson of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the state.

Mr Enebeli said the Forum had over the years built a reputation of mutual respect with members’ business partners and associates, adding that the Ministry of Information had maintained a harmonious relationship with the Forum, which needed to be sustained.

He drew the attention of the Commissioner to the obvious marginalization of the online media in the state and urged him to address the issue, as the online newspapers were no less important in comparison to the main stream media.

The DOPF Chairman said the organisation, with over 40 members owning reputable platforms, with all legal rights to do business in Nigeria, would desire to have a retainership arrangement with the state government, similar to those of the national electronics and print media houses, to be able to effectively report the progress of the M.O.R.E Agenda of the Oborevwori administration.

NUJ Commiserates With Asaba Community, Anioma Nation As Royal Sage Joins Ancestors

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State Council commiserates with the people of Asaba community, nay the Anioma Nation, over the transition of the very erudite and revered royal father, the Asagba of Asaba, Obi (Prof) Joseph Edozien.

We are indeed deeply affected by the news of the passage of the royal sage, who bestrode the medical profession like a colossus and left his footprints in the global field of medicine as the first African, nay black Dean of Medicine.

Until his demise at a very gracious age of 100 years, he was a global icon and remained the first and oldest professor in his field of medicine.

According to the State Council Chairman, Comrade Churchill Oyowe and Secretary Comrade Victor Sorokwu, “”The unprecedented peace, harmony and development pervading in and around Asaba, the capital and seat of Delta State Government cannot be extricated from his sublime approach to traditional administration, making Asaba the most peaceful, hospitable and habitable home for all.

“As a very enlightened and urbane personality, he was able to interface with state authorities without compromising the relevance of the traditional institution since his installation as the 13th Asagba 34 years ago; a year before the creation of Delta state.

“He truly led his people of Anioma ethnic stock like a true and faithful shepherd leading from the front and ensuring they were properly factored in national and state politics.

“Indeed, the passage of Obi (Prof) Joseph Chike Edozien has created a huge vacuum in the socio-cultural and political life of Asaba and Anioma nation as his contributions would be pretty difficult to replace.

“The NUJ Delta Council prays the Almighty God and Benevolent Creator to console the people of Asaba, Anioma Nation, Delta State, Nigeria and Africa at large.

“We also pray that the legacies of the eminent traditional ruler of promoting peace, harmony and development in Asaba and the entire Delta State be sustained by the successive traditional authority that would come in his stead.

President Tinubu To Attend 37th AU Summit In Addis Ababa

President Bola Tinubu will, on Thursday, February 15, depart Abuja for Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to participate in the 37th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union (AU) Heads of State and Government.

The theme of this year’s summit is ‘‘Educate an African fit for the 21st Century: Building resilient education systems for increased access to inclusive, lifelong, quality, and relevant learning in Africa.’’

The President will join other African leaders in high-level meetings on institutional reforms of the African Union; peace and security; specific thematic issues such as climate change, as well as modalities of participation and priorities of the continental body in the G20.

On the margins of the summit, President Tinubu will also attend an extraordinary summit of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS in his capacity as the Chairman of the regional body.

According to Chief Ajuri Ngelale Special Adviser to the president media & publicity,  president Tinubu will be accompanied on the trip by some ministers and other top government officials, and he is expected to return to Abuja following the summit.

NFF decries online attacks on Super Eagles player, Alex Iwobi

The Nigeria Football Federation has condemned in its entirety the cyber attacks on Super Eagles’ midfielder Alex Iwobi, saying the virulent attacks on the player are uncalled-for given his commitment and dedication to duty for homeland over the years.

“Alex Iwobi does not deserve these attacks. He has a record of utmost dedication to duty and a remarkable attitude of giving his all on international duty. We cannot suddenly forget the great moments he has made on duty for Nigeria, like scoring that goal against Zambia in Uyo that qualified Nigeria to the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

“We are talking about someone who is actually the seventh most-capped Nigerian footballer in history. With 76 caps, Alex Iwobi has nothing to prove to anyone about his patriotic fervour and dedication to duty for Nigeria. Please let us show him love and not hatred,” NFF Director of Communications, Ademola Olajire appealed on Tuesday.

Iwobi is behind only Ahmed Musa, Vincent Enyeama, Joseph Yobo, John Mikel Obi, Nwankwo Kanu and Mudashiru Babatunde Lawal (of blessed memory) in the record of most caps for Nigeria, and has travelled to different countries and continents to defend the green-white-green for about eight years now.

He has featured for Nigeria at the FIFA World Cup finals in Russia in 2018 and the Africa Cup of Nations in 2019 (Egypt), 2021 (Cameroon) and Cõte d’Ivoire (2023).

Oborevwori to Olu of Warri: My administration would engage relevant FG authorities for revitalisation of all seaports in Delta

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Tuesday, said his administration would engage relevant Federal Government authorities for the revitalisation of all seaports in the state.

Governor Oborevwori stated this when he received the Olu of Warri Kingdom, His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, CFR, and his retinue of chiefs at Government House, Asaba.

He commended the leadership quality of the Olu of Warri, describing him as a blessing to our generation.

Oborevwori said; “I appreciate you for the love you have shown this administration. You have been very supportive and I appreciate you for coming here today to congratulate me. As a royal father, you prayed for all of us (Governorship candidates) and your prayer then was that God should give the state somebody that will move the state higher.

“You blessed all of us but I was chosen and that’s the reason you are here today with all your people. Your Majesty, your leadership quality is something that we appreciate. You are a blessing to our generation.

“This administration places a high premium on the role of traditional rulers in governance. This is because the royal fathers are the bridge between the people at the grassroot and the government.

“Without the royal fathers, we can’t achieve peace in all our kingdoms. So, they are in charge of their kingdoms; that’s why we always go to them to seek their prayers and support.

“Please, anything that we are doing as a government that you are not pleased with, don’t fail to correct us. My government is open to constructive criticism.

“And if we are also doing very well, don’t fail to commend us. Constructive criticism is allowed everywhere in the world and Delta State would not be an exception. What we don’t like is blackmail.

“Your Majesty, I have listened to your request. I promised during my inauguration that Warri will have a positive new face. I have gone round Warri and looked at some places with urgent attention; we are already working on that.

“We are already working on a befitting stadium for Warri. As we speak, they are doing the design of the stadium because I don’t want a situation where we construct and after a few years, it will start having problems.

“We also have challenge with the drains in that area; as we speak, phase 1 of the storm drainage has been completed by Levant, phase 2 is about 90 per cent completed and the last, which is the phase three, will soon be completed.

“Without the storm drainage, if you construct any road in Warri, it will be washed away. I want to assure you that Warri will have a positive new face in Jesus name.” he said.

On the controversy surrounding attempted renaming of parts of Warri, Governor Oborevwori cautioned proponents to maintain the existing peace in the oil city.

“People talk about Warri; Warri today has expanded beyond the main town. Even today, people call Osubi, Warri. I don’t know why people want to make trouble.

“Warri today is a general name. I am from Osubi but when you ask me where I am from, I will tell you Warri. So, Warri is Warri and nobody can change it.”

On the ports, Governor Oborevwori said he was committed to engaging the Federal Government on the revitalisation of the ports in the state.

“The Port is something that is key to the development of Delta state. Even without coming here to make a request, I will start engaging with the people at the national to see how all the Ports in Delta state will be rehabilitated.

“If the Ports are rehabilitated, it will bring a lot of developments in the state. The issue of refinery, I know that as soon as they finish the maintenance of the refinery, it will come back to operation.”

On the request for clean water in the riverine areas, Oborevwori said; “we actually need clean water. There is a project that is on going and your son is the Commissioner for Water Resources; I know he will brief me and he knows what to do. If he comes with the proposal, we will look into it”.

He thanked the Warri Kingdom and the Itsekiri nation for their support for his election, adding that no ethnic nationality would be marginalised in his administration.

“The Warri kingdom and the Itsekiri nation supported me during my election that’s why we did not lose in any of the local government areas in that area. That’s why you see that in this administration, we have four Commissioners and one Special Adviser from your area.” Governor Oborevwori stated.

Earlier, the Olu of Warri, HRM Atuwatse III, CFR, said he led a delegation of the Itsekiri nation to congratulate the Governor on his victory at the Supreme Court.

He appealed to the Governor to help site an institution of higher learning in Warri kingdom.

The Monarch said: “The people have spoken; and now the courts have spoken. The same God who set you on this path, will continue to guide you and perfect what He has started. You have our support and prayers.

“We also want to express our appreciation, for infrastructural developments in Warri axis. The roads, drainages, stadium, particularly the Ode-Itsekiri Road and bridges, Ugborodo phase 2 road which links Ugbegungun to Otumara).

“While it is under the purview of the Federal Government, we request that you join our voice in encouraging the Federal Government to speedily move in the direction of rehabilitating the ports in Delta state and refinery in Warri.

“Revitalising these ports would ease the plight of idleness and unemployment with our young able youths”.

He appealed to the Governor to help conclude the water scheme, joint development between the state and Chevron, for the Olero and Dibi axis, stressing that potable water in the riverine area had always been an issue.

“We need all the assistance we can get from the government to make access to potable water easier for our people in Tebu, Gbokoda, Ajametan, Udoh and Jakpa.”

Former Governor of the State, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, and top government functionaries from the Itsekiri nation joined Governor Oborevwori in welcoming the Olu’s delegation.

Governor Oborevwori congratulates Tuomo monarch on 5th coronation anniversary

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has congratulated His Royal Majesty, Justice Francis Tabai, Pere Esuku I, Ebenanaowei of Tuomo Kingdom on the 5th anniversary of his coronation.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, in Asaba, the governor lauded the monarch for the peace in Tuomo kingdom since he ascended the ancient throne.

He described the monarch, who is a retired Justice of the Supreme Court, as “a man of unwavering integrity, a bridge builder, and a man of peace, whose tenure had been of immeasurable value to the kingdom and humanity”.

Continuing, Governor Oborevwori said: “On behalf of the government and people of Delta, I warmly congratulate His Royal Majesty, Justice Frances Tabai, CON, Pere Esuku I, Ebenanaowei of Tuomo Kingdom on the occasion of his 5th coronation anniversary.

“I join the people of Tuomo Kingdom and the Ijaw nation in celebrating a great monarch and wishing him good health, wisdom and strength as he continues with the responsibility of leading his people traditionally and culturally.

“In the last five years on the throne, His Royal Majesty, Pere Esuku I, has provided exemplary and impactful leadership by living above board, while remaining as the rallying point and inspiration for the Tuomo people in particular and Ijaws in general.

“The governor expressed his admiration for Pere Esuku’s skill in preserving and overseeing the Tuomo people’s culture and traditions through the encouragement of harmony, socio-cultural collaboration, communal living, and peaceful cohabitation between the Ijaws and other ethnic groups within the state.”

AFCON Final: Obaseki hails Super Eagles despite 2-1 defeat by Ivory Coast

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has hailed the Super Eagles of Nigeria, commending their resilience and teamwork despite conceding the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations title to the host nation, Ivory Coast.

Despite going ahead in the first half courtesy of a header by William Troost-Ekong, the Ivorians turned the game around in the second half to win 2-1.

Obaseki joined other football enthusiasts, fans and supporters to watch the first half of the game at the Ring Road viewing center, one of the venues set up by the state government across the State.

The governor was accompanied by his Chief of Staff, Dr. Osaigbovo Iyoha; Deputy National Youth Leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Timothy Osadolor; Chairman of Oredo Local Government Area, Dr. Tom Obaseki and other top government functionaries to Garrick Memorial School at Ekenwan Road, another viewing center set up in the State, to watch the second half of the match.

He said, “It was a very interesting match and you can tell that our boys played their hearts out but the Ivorians have the benefit of the home crowd. Our boys who are just 11 on the field of play, played against 60,000 people. They put in their best but it was not their day.

“We should be hopeful. They did their best and got to the finals. We could have won the cup; that means we have what it takes to be African Champions and next time around, we could win.”

Obaseki added, “I am happy with the quality of the game and the quality of the team we have. I am confident that we have a good team but it’s just that it didn’t happen for them today.”

Governor Obaseki also commended Nigerians and Edo residents for coming out massively to support the Super Eagles, noting “I pray that this spirit of commitment by the players and other Nigerians will continue so that we can celebrate more wins.”

Any governors that are not implementing 35 thousand Naira wages increase should have no Peace- Oshiomhole

By: Ella Ekpa

The senator representing Edo North Senatorial District in the Senate and former governor of Edo State, Senator Adams Aliyu  Oshiomhole has raised the alarm over non implementation of the new minimum wage increase of 35 thousand naira by the government.

The former Edo State Governor raised the concern when he was speaking as a guest on Sunday Politics on Channelstv, He said any governors not implementing the new minimum wage increase of 35 thousand Naira should know No peace in their States.

Comrade Oshiomhole revealed further that after the removal fuel subsidy various states governors Federation allocation has increased while some tripled allocation due to subsidy removal but wondered why the governors down to LGAs have not implemented the new wage increase.

This Online newspaper reports that  he however urged  the federal government and most  especially the state governors and local government to as a matter of reality commence implementation of the 35 thousand naira wages increase in order to help cushion the economic hardship in the country.