.President Tinubu’s encomium to Governor Oborevwori , heartwarming, well deserved, Says Dr. Latimore

**As Delta Governor’s Son wedding attracts politicians across Nigeria 

**Warri Rep Ereyitomi, others witnessed celebration

Director General, Delta State Orientation and Communications Bureau, Dr Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, has said that governor Sheriff Oborevwori, is not only building mega flyovers, highways and pedestrian bridges across the state, but also building solid and enduring interpersonal relationships across political divide.

Dr Oghenesivbe made the assertion on Saturday in Asaba, while speaking to newsmen at the wedding reception of governor Oborevwori’s son, Mr Clinton Oborevwori, saying that good and progressive politics is about networking, developing and sustaining relationships devoid of bitterness, unwarranted media attacks and selfish personal ambition.

The Bureau Chief noted that governor Oborevwori’s well grounded local and national politics truly resonates with the people, judging from the array of partisan and nonpartisan high profile dignitaries at the son’s wedding, wherein President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, described him as a political bridge builder, a Pan Deltan, a highly detribalized politician and a visionary leader.

Dr Oghenesivbe told newsmen that President Tinubu’s encomium to Delta State Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori is heartwarming and well deserved, adding that the assemblage of personalities, especially state governors across political divide that graced Clinton Oborevwori’s wedding clearly revealed that the governor is focused on Advancing Delta, not only through solid infrastructure and socioeconomic development, but by building healthy relationships that would continue to benefit the state and citizens, as well as FasTrack economic growth beyond 2027.

He asserted that President Tinubu’s kind words concerning the mesmerizing personality, pedigree and integrity of governor Oborevwori, describing him as a bridge builder, a Pan Deltan, a detribalized leader, and a governor for all Deltans gladdens our hearts.

“Good and progressive politics is about networking, developing and sustaining relationships that would consistently drive socioeconomic and infrastructural development, and this is exactly what governor Oborevwori has been doing since he took over the mantle of leadership on May 29, 2023.

“As Communication and Media Aides to governor Oborevwori, it is our duty to tailor our messages and media engagements to align with the governor’s vision, mission and political ideology. This is very important. Peace and development Journalism cannot be overemphasized.

“We must never burn bridges strategically built across political divide by governor Oborevwori. uncoordinated and divisive media attacks that will not add value to the MORE Agenda of the governor, must of a necessity be avoided.

“The governor’s address during the just concluded 5th edition of Delta State Communication Workshop, with the Theme, Advancing Delta: Strategies for Public Communication and Effective Media Engagement cleared outlined the state policy direction on Communication and Media management. We must not deviate from the governor’s overall objective as government Spokespersons or media aides,” Oghenesivbe said.

Dr Oghenesivbe Congratulated the newly wedded couple, Clinton and Knowledge Oborevwori, admonishing them to emulate their parents, Governor Oborevwori and First Lady Tobore Oborevwori, who endured and survived all odds to be together as two hearts that beat as one.

“I congratulate Mr and Mrs Clinton Oborevwori on this auspicious day of their wedding. I advise them never to shift focus from Jesus Christ, the author and finisher of our Faith.

“Jesus holds the master key and the sweet wine of marriage. Clinton and Knowledge Oborevwori, must continue to spice their conjugal union with prayers, unconditional love for one another, and above all, fear God always and serve Him with their time, talent and substance.

“I pray that God Almighty continue to bless their union, be fruitful, multiply and be a blessing to their parents, our state and nation, as well as be global citizens, in Jesus Name, Amen,” Oghenesivbe prayed.

The marriage ceremony was attended by Chairman of Nigerian Governors Forum, Alhaji AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq, Governors of Adamawa, Ahmadu Fintiri; Agbu Kefas of Taraba, Douye Diri of Bayelsa; Sim Fubara, (Rivers); Dapo Abiodun (Ogun); Caleb Muftwang, (Plateau); Dapo Oyebanji, (Ekiti); Usman Ododo, (Kogi); Senator Hope Uzodinma, (Imo); Wife of Oyo State Governor, Mrs Tamunominini Makinde; Wife of Abia State Governor, Mrs Cecilia Otti, Wife of Sokoto State Governor, Fatima Aliyu and her Yobe State counterpart, Mrs Mai Mala Buni.

Others are; Deputy Governor of Delta State, Sir Monday Onyeme, Deputy Governor of Bauchi, Mohammed Jatau; his Enugu and Anambra counterparts, Ifeanyi Ossai and Dr Onyeka Ibezim, former Governor of the State, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa and his wife, Edith, National Chairman of PDP Amb. Umar Damagun, Representative of Senate President, Senator Joel-Onowhakpo Thomas, Minister of State for Petroleum, Senator Heinekens Lokpobiri, the Member Representing Warri Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives Honourable Chief Dr Thomas Ereyitomi JP, former President of the Senate, Senator Bukola Saraki, Chief of Defense Staff, General Christopher Musa, and Mr Julius Rone of UTM Oil and Gas, members of National Assembly, members of the Delta State House of Assembly, Commissioners, other top government functionaries and captains of industries.

Obi Nduka Lauds IUANA For Electrifying Issele-Uku With Solar Powered Street Lights

By Patrick Ochei

The atmospheric mood in Issele-Uku on Saturday 21st December, 2024, was one of unrestrained exhibition of joy as Issele-Uku Association of North America (IUANA) officially handed over the 160 solar powered street lights whose installation project had been completed to Issele-Uku community in a ceremony presided over by His Royal Majesty, Agbogidi Obi Nduka JP (MNSE) at the Issele-Uku Royal Palace.

Obi Nduka in responding to the kind gestures of the Association on behalf of Issele-Uku people, said that the community was happy and had received the gift of the light with open heart and joy.

He commended the group and prayed that God Almighty and the Ancestors would continue to guide, protect and replenish their blessings so that they would always remember to contribute their quota towards the astronomic development of Issele-Uku.

According to him, “We have received your message from the entire members of your Association in America. You must convey back to them our joy and acceptance of their kind gestures.

“The areas you have covered in Issele-Uku with this project is monumental. And like you have promised that it is an ongoing development effort, we look forward to seeing the uncovered areas also benefit from this gesture.

“I must say that indeed, development has come into Issele-Uku. We now have a city we can truly be proud of in all sense of it. It is said that when light comes, darkness gives way. This project will help us to minimize crime and open up the space for positive social activities. It’s our gain too, because light helps to aid economic and commercial viability of any place.

“Our people must know that no project is easy, whether with government or individual. We are all glad that a group of our children in the Diaspora was able to initiate and execute such a people oriented project and it is worthy of commendation.

“We are indeed gathered here today on behalf of Issele-Uku Association of North America for the official handover of their self funded project to us. They came to tell us that they were done with the project and hopefully would commence a second phase of it later in 2025. We are happy, for this will boost our commercial activities and stop the nefarious activities of criminals from increasing.

“There are many benefits of this project that we can’t just highlight here. We accept the project and pray for God’s continual progress on the community. I therefore call on all our people at home and abroad to remember where they came from. The progress of our town is in our hands. We need to build a better and more prosperous Issele-Uku. So, my call on the people not associating with Issele-Uku Development Union and other Associations is simple – there are innumerable benefits of joining your kinsmen to reason like brothers and sisters. It gives you the opportunity to socialize and contribute your quota to community development”, Obi Nduka posited.

Joining Obi Nduka in commending the IUANA group were the Iyase of Issele-Uku, Chief Innocent Ashiedu, the Okwalegwe of Issele-Uku, Chief (Dr) John Ochei, the Ozoma of Issele-Uku, Chief Peter Oduh, Diokpa Uche Anene and Diokpa Onyema Ashibuogwu.

They vehemently recognized the community effort of IUANA and appreciated them for helping Issele-Uku to see light in another dimension while also praying God to reward them massively in all their endeavours.

Earlier, both the IUANA National President, Mr. Victor Banor and IUANA PRO, Mr. Emeka Ijei spoke at various levels of the project including their resolve to see to its fruitful execution.

They commended Issele-Uku people for their support and cooperation while the project lasted, thereby promising to come back on or before March for another phase of project.

Equally, they recognized the effort of their members across the five IUANA chapters in America – New England, Houston, Carolina, Atlanta and Washington Metro (DMV) for their massive support to the development of the home front and unalloyed loyalty to Issele-Uku monarch.

Nigeria’s IGP Warns Against Unorganized Distribution Of Palliatives, Funfairs

**As 2 Other Incidences Hit FCT, Anambra

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM., has raised serious concerns about the unorganized distribution of palliatives and relief items in the country during this festive period. This trend is worrisome and calls for urgent concerns to save the lives of citizens of this country, especially the vulnerable youths and the elderly.

This warning follows a series of tragic incidents that highlight the urgent need for a more structured and effective approach to delivering aid to vulnerable communities and members of the public in general. It would be recalled that on the 18th of December 2024, a tragic incident had occurred in Ibadan, Oyo State, where a stampede at a children’s fun fair resulted in the deaths of at least 35 children and left many others critically injured.

In the early hours of today, the 21st of December 2024, another tragedy struck at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama, in a similar stampede that occurred during the distribution of food items to vulnerable and elderly individuals. This unfortunate incident led to the death of 10 individuals, leaving many others injured.

A similar incident also occurred at Okija, Ihiala Local Government, Anambra State at a palliative distribution set up by a philanthropist identified as Obi Jackson, which led to the death of several individuals. At the moment, 3 persons have been confirmed dead while many injured have been taken to various hospitals for adequate treatment.

The IGP emphasized the dangers posed to public safety during these unorganized distributions and funfairs set up by groups, individuals and NGOs, including the potential for stampedes and other incidents that could endanger lives. The lack of a well-defined plan for distributing palliatives has resulted in chaos, leading to long lines and unnecessary confrontations among citizens seeking assistance.

In light of these developments, the IGP has called on government officials, community leaders, and non-governmental organizations to work collaboratively towards establishing a comprehensive and organized framework for distributing palliatives. The IGP has hereby warned groups and organizers of similar events to ensure the involvement of security agencies as negligence on their part is criminal and would not be overlooked, as provided for in Sec. 196 of the Penal Code and Sec. 344 of the Criminal Code, Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. In addition, the IGP has encouraged the general public who would want to benefit from such distributions to tread with caution, prioritizing their safety, to avoid unforeseen calamities.

The Nigeria Police Force reiterates its commitment to supporting efforts aimed at creating a safer and more structured environment for aid distribution in our communities. Collaborating with relevant stakeholders, the Force aims to prevent future tragedies and ensure such processes are seamless.

The IGP has ordered the Commissioners of the affected states to carry out thorough investigations into these ugly incidences for further legal actions. The Inspector-General of Police therefore sympathizes with the bereaved families and wishes those injured quick recovery.

Jubilation as Ogbonna Youth Forum, Peter Dunia build multi-million naira DPHQ, ICT-Data Centre for Ogbona Community

**To Be Inaugurated Saturday, December 21 By IGP

All is now set for the inauguration of the new Divisional Police Headquarters and ICT-Data Centre, by the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, in Ogbona community, in Etsako Central Local Government Area of Edo State, tomorrow, Saturday, December 21.

The ulta-modern DPHQ and ICT-Data Centre were built by Ogbona Youth Forum (OYF) in collaboration with a frontline indigene of the community and an accomplished oil and gas magnate, Mr. Peter Omoh Dunia, alias Peter Black.

The ultra-modern DPHQ and fully equipped ICT-Data Centre were ready for inauguration by Egbetokun, as at the time newsmen visited the areas on Friday.

Also expected at the ceremony are the Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, top functionaries of the Federal and Edo State Government as well as top brass of the various security agencies and leaders and traditional rulers of the various communities in Etsakoland.

Findings revealed that the task of building a divisional police headquarters in Ogbona, was initiated by OYF before Peter Dunia joined forces with his kinsmen to accomplish the target.

With the involvement of Peter Dunia, the scope of the community interventionist project was expanded to include an ultra-modern ICT-Data Centre.

The DPHQ was kitted with modern furniture and round the clock power supply. An effective close circuit camera has also been installed to monitor movement around the police station.

The ICT-Data Centre, is being manned by experts who would train the police personnel in the areas in the management of the facility.

It was learnt that the ICT-DATA Centre was designed to process and manage information on crime, especially in eliminating crimes and tracking down criminals in Ogbona Police division and its environs.

The facility is also expected to serve as data bank to the police and other security agencies operating in Ogbona and its environs.

Journalists who were conducted round the facilities by Peter Dunia, in commpay of leaders of OYF, on Friday ahead of Saturday’s opening ceremony, were satisfied about the state-of the-art edifice.

The edifice was a cyncosure of all eyes as indigenes of Ogbona and neighbouring communities, besieged the scene.

The indigenes expressed happiness over the gesture, which they said would go a long way to bring crime to zero level in the area.

They hailed the leadership of OYF and Peter Dunia for the gesture.

Finishing touches were being put on the DPHQ and the ICT-Data Centre in readiness for tomorrow’s opening ceremony by the IGP.

The policemen attached to Ogbona DPHQ wore colourful uniforms.

They were in top spirit as they anxiously awaited their superiors led by Egbetokun from the Police Headquarters in Abuja and Edo State Police Command.

WAFU B U17 Girls’ Cup: Another Nigeria, Ghana clash as Flamingos, Maidens battle for Cup

Nigeria and Ghana will battle for the ultimate prize in the inaugural WAFU U17 Girls’ Cup on Sunday – incidentally, the same day the home-based senior men clash in Accra in the first leg of the 8th African Nations Championship qualifying fixture pitting both countries against each other.

On Thursday night, in the second semi-final of the WAFU U17 Girls’ Cup, World Cup quarter-finalists Nigeria defeated their counterparts from Benin Republic 2-0, both goals coming in the second half of the encounter at the Ghana Centre of Excellence in Prampram. Sunday’s final will also take place at the same centre, outside Accra.

Forward Mary Lucky Mkpa scored from the penalty spot in the 70th minute to put Nigeria in front, eight minutes after gangling striker Janet Akekoromowei had missed a great opportunity to put the Flamingos ahead.

Eight minutes after the opener, Peace Effiong profited from a goalkeeping error to extend Nigeria’s lead, but Akekoromowei’s 84th minute goal was chalked off by the referee as the forward was judged to have impeded the goalkeeper before scoring.

The Flamingos reached the final having scored 14 goals in three matches, conceding only two, and will start with much confidence against a Ghanaian side that defeated Cote d’Ivoire’s girls 5-0 earlier in the afternoon to reach Sunday’s final.

NUJ Press Week 2024: Chief Ereyitomi, Oborevwori, Gov.Agbu, Others to attend event

By: Celestine Ukah 

The member Representing Warri Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives Honourable Chief Dr. Thomas Ereyitomi JP is expected to chairman this year’s 2024 Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ Press week.

In a statement released by the NUJ Delta State Council Chairman, Comrade Churchill Oyowe and Secretary Comrade Victor Sorokwu respectively, stated further that the theme focuses on “Imperative of Proper Leadership Recruitment Process for Good Governance.”

Hon. Chief Dr. Ereyitomi, Chairman House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources Training funds will be supported by a veteran Journalist and former Commissioner in defunct Bendel State, Elder Chris Biose as co-chairman.

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State and Governor of Taraba State, His Excellency, Agbu Kefas are expected as Special Guests of honour at the event.

While the Senator Representing Delta North Senatorial District at the Senate, Senator Prince Ned Nwoko, Senator Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa -West and Edo North Senator Adams Oshiomhole will both feature as discussants.

They Keynote Speaker for the ceremony which is to hold at the NUJ Press Centre, Maryam Babangida Way in Asaba, is the former Member in the House of Representatives, Hon. Patrick Obanyangbon.

HRM Obi Prof. Epiphany Azinge, Asagba of Asaba, will be the Royal Father of the Day and the NUJ President, Comrade Alhassan Yahya serving as the Chief Host forthe occasion

–Delta Sport Devt: Mulade commends LOC Members Of Delta Ethnic Peace And Unity Cup

**Says next edition to hold in 2026

Warri: The promoter and National Coordinator of Center for Peace and Environmental Justice, CEPEJ, Comrade Mulade Sheriff, has commended members of the Local Organising Committee for their tireless and steadfast effort towards achieving a successful event.

The Delta State-born renowned peace and environmental justice advocate, made the commendation at his Africa 4 Peace Office, Ugolo, near Osubi in Okpe Local Government Area of Delta State, said that, “without your commitment and dedication towards this event, we won’t have achieved this robust and remarkable success”.

He noted, “It is imperative to state that no competition is totally free of teething challenges and encumberances. However, we have learnt some positive lessons that would enhance our next edition planning that will Kick-Off on November 16th, 2026”, he stated.

The global peace ambassador express his deep appreciation and sincerely thanks to all members of the LOC, particularly, Hon Kenneth Nwaomucha, the immediate-past Chairman of Delta State Football Association (DFA) who sacrificed and created time to ensure the successfullness of the tournament.

“Let me equally use this opportunity to specially recognise and appreciate Ex-Super Eagles Players, Peter Rufai, Edema Fuludu and Sam Sodje, our partners, various ethnic groups, and all participating teams for supporting sustainable peaceful coexistence and promoting cultural diversity in Delta State”.

My sincere gratitude and appreciate goes to our indefatigable Royal Fathers especially, His Royal Majesty, The Orodje of Okpe Kingdom and Chairman, Delta State Traditional Rulers Council; His Royal Majesty, The Paramount Ruler of Ogulagha Kingdom and Chairman, Ijaw Traditional Rulers Forum; His Royal Majesty, Olu of Warri, His Royal Majesty, The Odion-Ologbo of Oleh Kingdom and Chairman, Isoko Traditional Rulers Forum; His Royal Majesty, Oboro-Gbaraun II, Aketekpe – Agadagba, A.k.A The Monarch of Niger Delta, the Pere of Ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom and other notable individuals for your encouragement and support towards fostering harmony and peaceful co-existence among the various ethnic groups and youths in the state.

The Ibe-Sorimowei of Ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom and sponsor of the Delta State Ethnic Peace and Unity Cup, Chief Mulade Sheriff also call for sustainability of peace and unity towards creating an enabling environment for His Excellency, Rt Hon Sheriff F.O Oborevwori to deliver on his electioneering promises for the benefits of all Deltans.

Rep Ereyitomi congratulates former Warri North Council Boss, Okorodudu as he marks his birthday

The Member Representing Warri Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives Honourable Chief Dr. Thomas Ereyitomi has congratulated the former Warri North Local Government Area Council Chairman, Hon. Aduge Okorodudu as he marks his birthday celebration today Tuesday December 17, 2024.

Chief Ereyitomi, while felicitating Hon. Okorodudu, described him as a staunch supporter of his quest and a great ally to reckon with at all Times.

The Warri National Assembly Member, Chief Ereyitomi on behalf of the Ereyitomi Political family wished Hon. Okorodudu a happy birthday, just as he prayed God to grant him long life, good Health and continuous protection