Gov Oborevwori rejoices with Chief Majemite @60

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has congratulated renowned politician, businessman and lawyer, Chief Fred Majemite, as he clocks 60 on Sunday.

Governor Oborevwori in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, in Asaba, said Majemite, a former Commissioner for Lands, Surveys and Urban Development in the state, is an illustrious son of Delta whose accomplishments in life and politics were outstanding and self- evident.

According to him, Majemite had always given a good account of himself in and outside government.

He commended the renowned lawyer for being a great philanthropist and for maintaining a very large army of dedicated followers across the state.

Governor Oborevwori said: “On behalf of my family, the Government and people of Delta State, I congratulate my dear brother and friend, Chief Fred Majemite, on the occasion of his 60th birth anniversary.

“On this special day of your diamond jubilee, it is my prayer that God will grant you many more years in good health to render greater service to God and humanity”.

Publishers honours Chief Government Ekpemupolo with DOPF media award, inducts him into N’Delta Hall of Fame

** We must all join hands to move Nigeria forward against economic saboteurs – Tompolo

The Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF), today inducted High Chief Government Ekpomupolo aka Tompolo into the DOPF Niger Delta Media Hall of Fame.

The official induction was performed at Oporoza, the traditional Headquarters of Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri Southwest Local Government Area of Delta State.,
As a prelude, the Chairman of DOPF, Mr. Emmanuel Enebeli, ANIPR, noted that it was sequenced to an overwhelming vote of the people of the Niger Delta Region in an Online poll, conducted within a period of four months beginning from June 2021 – October 2021.

Enebeli said Ekpemupolo’s selection for this prestigious Honour was also based on his uncommon struggles and determinations towards the liberation of the Niger Delta Region from economic and environmental degradation, political and social marginalization, and stagnation.

The official induction and presentation were done by the DOPF’s Board of Trustee (BoT) Chairman, Chief Omafume Amurun.

In his response, Chief Government Ekpomupolo aka Tompolo, who appreciated members of the DOPF in a piece recognizing his good stands and inducting him into the Niger Delta Media Hall of Fame, said his Award and recognition should spur others to rise up to defend and protect Government properties and facilities within their territory.

He appealed to Nigerians to join hands to move this country forward because there’s no other country.

According to Chief Government Ekpomupolo, “I don’t have any other place except Nigeria. Nigeria is the only country I have so we must all join hands to protect and move Nigeria forward.

“Our economy is in dire need of survival so we can not fold our hands and allow some persons to sabotage the nation’s economy because of greed.

Paseiro – leaving when the ovation is still loud!

The news of Jose Paseiro’s exit as coach of the national team of Nigeria comes in a potpourri of little criticism, plenty of relief and appreciation, and huge new expectations.

The Portuguese Coach must be the luckiest gaffer in the world. The confetti of gifts showered on him for coming second in the AFCON 2023 by the federal government of Nigeria must be a world-record in rewards – mouth-watering bonuses, a house and a plot of land in Abuja, and a national honour – Member of the Order of the Niger, MON.

In return, he leaves behind a memento of almost 2 years of unconvincing football at national team level, no impact on the domestic game, no silverware of any sort, and in the last 6 weeks of his contract, results from AFCON 2023 that took Nigerians from the depth of hopelessness to the peak of expectations, and a shuddering halt to a wishful dream at the end. 6 Nigerians died as a direct result of the pressure-cooker tension they were taken through!

A former Chief of Naval Staff of Nigeria, Admiral Jubril Ayinla, was a first-hand witness at the climax of Nigeria’s odyssey at AFCON 2023. He may be sharing his nerve wracking experience with me.

From this weekend, athletes in almost 30 sports events from countries all over the African continent will start to converge at the University of Legon, Accra, Ghana, for the start of the biggest sports event in Africa, the 13th All-African Games.

One of the athletes of the earliest years of the All-African Games, probably the most influential and successful female coach in Nigeria’s athletics history, Armelia Edet, shares her experiences, vision and expectations with me.

One of the recipients of the 4th Sportsville Special Recognition Awards taking place tonight joins me to discuss the significance of these recognitions.

Group alerts security agencies in Delta, Ondo over escalation of crude oil theft in Niger Delta waterways

**Accuses Diden, Ajube of allegedly planning to wreck havoc on oil pipelines in the region

The Niger Delta Awareness Council has alerted all security agencies operating in Delta and Ondo States waterways that there shall be escalation of crimes and oil theft in the Niger Delta if urgent steps are not taken to nip it in the bud.

The President of the group, Chief Worlu Rowland Chinda in a statement titled, “Heightened Insecurity And Crude Oil Theft Expected In The Niger Delta, As Michael Diden And Bibopere Ajube Of Ondo State Join Forces,” and made available to newsmen , the above names are allegedly planning to wreck havoc on oil pipelines in the region.

The group stated that recently the media reported a meeting where Shoot-at-Sight hosted Chief Michael Diden, alias Ejele, who operated under the aegis of Delta Political Vanguard, during the term of former governor Arthur Ifeanyi Okowa, at Arogbo in the Ese – Odo LGA of Ondo State.

According to the group; “The purpose of the gathering was mainly covert, to clandestinely sabotage the nation’s economy, in tandem with what Shoot-at- Sight is known for threatening before the pipeline and gas facilities surveillance contract awarded to his former Boss and Mentor to stop crude theft, illegal bunkering and oil refining in the Niger Delta Region.”

The group added that the agenda of the meeting was to work out grand plans for large scale crude oil theft and illegal oil refining to undermine National Interest and de-market High Chief(Dr.) Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo) company, Tantita Security Services Ltd.

They also said that the coming together of, Shoot-at-Sight and Ejele, posed heightened danger to the people living in the waterways of Ondo and Delta states., stressing that it will be a collaboration for a massive scaled criminality and illegal bunkering of crude oil.

They group therefore advised that the duo be put under total security surveillance.

“The office of the National Security Adviser and that of the Chief of Defence Staff are hereby put on notice. There shall be escalation of crimes and oil theft in the Niger Delta. Complete anarchy will be loosed upon the region. We must therefore join hands to halt the planned incursion and insurrection.

“All security agencies operating in the axis of Delta and Ondo States waterways must be on red alert. It is the dawn of a new era for the buccaneers. When two high powered thugs merge their operations, the consequences will be colossal,” the statement read.

Below is the full statement:

NIGER DELTA AWARENESS COUNCIL,
453, IKWERRE ROAD, PORT-HARCOURT, RIVERS STATE.

HEIGHTENED INSECURITY AND CRUDE OIL THEFT EXPECTED IN THE NIGER DELTA, AS MICHAEL DIDEN AND BIBOPERE AJUBE OF ONDO STATE JOIN FORCES.

The convergence of buccaneers usually herald brigandry and expanded illegal operations, criminality and legion of unscrupulous tendencies.

The media recently reported the coming together of men known for their clandestine interest, hosted by no one but, Chief Bibopere Ajube, alias General- Shoot-at- Sight, at Arogbo in the Ese – Odo LGA, of Ondo State.

The entourage was led by one Chief Michael Diden, alias Ejele, who operated under the aegis of Delta Political Vanguard, during the term of former governor Arthur Ifeanyi Okowa.

The rest of the team includes crooks with high sounding names; Chief (Dr.) Godfrey Erewa, Honourable Emasan Mbiake, Honourable Solomon Alewinakwi, Honourable Zino Onaemo, Honourable Victor Egbo Oleemena, Honourable Matthew Udenwenkewe, and Honourable Francis Ariyo.

The purpose of the gathering was mainly covert, to clandestinely sabotage the nation’s economy, in tandem with what Shoot-at- Sight is known for threatening before the pipeline and gas facilities surveillance contract awarded to his former Boss and Mentor to stop crude theft, illegal bunkering and oil refining in the Niger Delta Region.

When sinister birds of the plumage come together, something untoward is intended.

The agenda of the meeting was to work out grand plans for large scale crude oil theft and illegal oil refining to undermine National Interest and de-market High Chief(Dr.) GOVERNMENT EKPEMUPOLO ( TOMPOLO) company, TANTITA SECURITY SERVICES LTD.

Michael Diden (Ejele) is a known racketeer in Delta State, always dipping his fingers into every crooked means to get money.

His recent political aspiration for the Delta South Senatorial seat ran into a brick wall. He was roundly rejected by the electorate as unfit to represent them.

For years, he had a vice grip on the Delta State treasury.

Frustrated through non appreciation by Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, he now seeks fresh fields to survive.

Despite being patronized by Okowa and previous governments, Chief Michael Diden (Ejele) had had his other foot deep in illegal crude bunkering. His bunkering equipment were, however, sealed off by Tantita Security Services Ltd, sometimes 2023.

This, Michael Diden had floated through a company, Ebencho Global Link, with which his accomplices engaged in oil theft and illegal oil refining in Koko, the headquarter of Warri North LGA, Delta State, until his activities were crushed.

Tantita Security Services Limited located the operational site of Ebencho Global Link and closed it. Ejele made several overtures to Tompolo to instruct Tantita staff to let Ebencho operatives off the hook, but Tompolo refused.

For this, Ejele still grudges him. His ego was seriously bruised.

The recent unholy alliance reached at Arogbo with Shoot- at-Sight, who has vowed to bring High Chief (Dr.) Government EKPEMUPOLO down by disrupting Tantita’s operations and increase their illicit oil business.

Michael Diden is undeniably a rabble rouser, seriously self seeking. What Itsekiri interest is he talking about? Is he really ignorant of his kinsmen involvement and collaborations with TANTITA in the execution pipelines surveillance contracts? Eminent Itsekiris like, Chief Ayiri Emami, Hon. Godwin Ebosa, Chief Johnson, Amataserunlege ( Iyasere Of Warri), are already enjoying Itsekiri quota, as major contractors in the pipelines protection job.
What about Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Ltd ( PINL) controlled by The OLU OF WARRI, ATUWASE 111.

May be , he has been kept at arms length, and having no hold on Gov. Oborevwori, as he did to Ifeanyi Okowa’s government, Ejele sought to hold on a straw to stay afloat.

The Arogbo self styled general, Bibopre Ajube, is fighting a lost battle, no amount of brigandage will earn him an oil pipeline contract. He is busy, cajoling and hound winking , wounded , unrepentant, selfishly aggrieved illegal bunkers and crude oil thieves to fall with him.

In his desperation to be involved, he wants to put something on nothing.

Shoot-at- Sight abused the privilege Tompolo once gave him through a sub contract in surveillance contract. Tompolo terminated the contract when he found out, Shoot-at- Sight or Bibopere Ajube, was conniving with crude oil thieves to steal with what was left in his care.

He failed to deliver on the job, he was a saboteur.

The illegal bunkerers he was supposed to chase away became his partners. He is crying wolf when there is non.

His Arogbo-Ijaw kinsmen recently denounced and exposed his myriad of crimes. They accused him amongst others of kidnapping, possession of a personal army, with which he terrorizes the waterways, having illegal fire arms, bunkering of crude, selling of locally refined petroleum products, etc.

The coming together of, Shoot-at-Sight and Ejele, pose heightened danger to the people living in the waterways of Ondo and Delta states. It will be a collaboration for a massive scaled criminality and illegal bunkering of crude oil. They should be put under total security surveillance.

URGENT STEPS TO BE TAKEN BY GOVERNMENT

All security agencies operating in the axis of Delta and Ondo States waterways must be on red alert. It is the dawn of a new era for the buccaneers. When two high powered thugs merge their operations, the consequences will be colossal.

To be fore warned to be fore armed.

The office of the National Security Adviser and that of the Chief of Defence Staff are hereby put on notice. There shall be escalation of crimes and oil theft in the Niger Delta. Complete anarchy will be loosed upon the region. We must therefore join hands to halt the planned incursion and insurrection.

SIGNED:
CHIEF WORLU ROWLAND CHINDA
PRESIDENT.

NDDC Chairman, Ebie Extols Virtues of Omu Anioma

By Patrick Ochei

The Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Mr. Chiedu Ebie Esq has extolled the rare virtues of Omu Anioma, HRM Obi Martha Dunkwu, insisting it would be very difficult for anybody to replace her kind in Anioma.

Ebie made the assertion when he led a delegation of his associates to pay a condolence visit to the immediate family of Obi Martha Dunkwu on 22nd February, 2024.

The NDDC Chairman said Omu Dunkwu was always representing and spoke fearlessly and boldly in defence of Anioma Culture and traditions whenever the occasion arose.

“She was truly a mother to us in Anioma and one whose tentacles spread beyond her territory. She was indeed a woman of substance and pride to us in Anioma. It will be difficult to have her type again. Farewell, Omu Anioma and Nneoha (Mother To All and Mother Without Borders). Truly we will miss that raw intelligence in you and the boldness with which you spoke for us as a voice and rallying figure”, Ebie added.

Food prices hike: Obaseki takes steps to tackle hardship in Edo, meets market, trade unions, others

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, is taking steps to combat the current hike in food prices in the State, urging for the collaboration and support of all stakeholders to proffer lasting solutions to the incessant price surge and guarantee better welfare for the people of the State.

Obaseki met with relevant stakeholders including market associations, traders, and farmers’ unions, among others, at the Urhokpota Hall, in Benin City, to chart actionable measures to address the rising cost of living, particularly food prices in the State.

He said, “I called this meeting because of the cost of living in Nigeria as things are hard, especially the prices of food. The people can’t eat anymore and as an administration, we can’t just keep quiet but to act.”

Obaseki continued: “We have called this meeting to see how to solve this problem as trading blames will not lead to any solution to the serious challenges we are facing. All problems have solutions, and we are here to discuss and see how to solve this high price hike challenges facing us.

“You said trade unions are people fixing prices, but I don’t know how they work to achieve that in the market. I want to know how they fix prices. I thought it was demand and supply that controlled the prices.

“If we say unions are the problem then we must look at the unions and their activities and how to control them. We must set up a committee to check and look at the activities that lead to price hike. The committee will help us know if they are doing anything against the law.”

Obaseki noted, “This meeting shows that bad road has a role to play in price increment in our markets. I have been begging the Federal Government to help repair and fix the Ekpoma/Auchi Road since when Babatunde Fashola was Minister for Works but no results till now. I appeal to them to ensure contractors complete the road which has been on for over 30 years. I have approached Dangote and BUA to support us in doing the bad portion of the road because their trucks ply that route.”

Speaking on the measures put in place to address the hike in food prices, the Governor stated that his administration will support farmers to expedite efforts towards increased local production of food crops in the State.

The governor also promised to ensure adequate security for farmers to enable them to continue with their farming activities, while also reassuring the farmers that the government will fix their tractors and send them to their various local government councils to help them prepare for the 2024 farming seasons.

Earlier, Solomon Idiogbe, representative of the Edo Civil Society Organization appealed to the governor to help check the activities of Unions across various markets in the State as they significantly contribute to the rising cost of goods and services in Edo.

Also, Edo State Market Women Association leader, Madam Blackky Ogiamien, commended the Governor for his administration’s commitment to the welfare of Edo citizens, particularly in the area of security.

Also in attendance were: Secretary to Edo State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq.; Commissioner for Business, Trade and Cooperatives, Hon. Patrick Uanseru; Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Stephen Idehenre; Commissioner for Public Safety and Security, Hon. Kingsley Uwagbale; Managing Director, Edo State Investment Promotion Office (ESIPO), Mr. Kelvin Uwaibi; Oredo Local Government Council Chairman, Dr. Tom Obaseki; Ovia South West Local Government Council Chairman, Engr. Edosa Enowoghomwenma; amongst others.

Other critical stakeholders in the food and services value chain present at the meeting include the Tomatoes Sellers Association, the Benin Chamber of Commerce, Hotel owners, Barbing Saloon Association, Building Materials Association, Market Women, Food Stuff and Cattle Dealers Association, Edo branch of the NURTW, Arewa traders and marketers co-operative, amongst others.

OFAAC umbrella body of Anioma culture Pays Condolence Visit To Family of Asagba Chike Edozien, Eulogizes Late Asaba Monarch

Syndicated report

The Organisation For the Advancement of Anioma Culture (OFAAC), the culture umbrella body of Anioma Nation, led by its President, Arc. Kester Ifeadi has paid a condolence visit to the family of Late Asagba of Asaba, Obi (Prof.) Chike Joseph Edozien on Monday 26th February, 2024.

The OFAAC President eulogized the unique Monarch for his sterling leadership qualities that spiked development in Asaba and brought everybody in Anioma together.

He was one of the brains behind the formation of OFAAC and also stood as a foremost supporter of its activities throughout the years. We are 20 years old now. Let me tell you that OFAAC is an assemblage and meeting point for all our traditional rulers in Anioma, and of course, our people at home and in the Diaspora.

“Asagba was a strong focal point in ensuring that our people of Anioma Nation came together towards achieving oneness – the strong bond of Aniocha/Oshimili, Ika and Ndokwa extractions that we are enjoying today as evident in the strong tie that has solidified our togetherness as a people. Asagba Prof Chike Edozien had only taken a journey, his legacies live on”, Ifeadi acknowledged.

In response, the Regent (Ochendo) of Asaba Kingdom, Prof. Anthony Onuorah Edozien, represented by his younger brother, Engr. Louis Nwabunwanne Edozien commended OFAAC for coming at this critical time.

“My father was a rare gem that would be missed by many. Your speech about Nna Agu and those things he passionately upheld in his true characteristic contributions to leadership and culture are key takeaway as legacies for us to uphold and build on. We hope to keep and remain committed to his ideals”, Engr. Edozien posited.

In an apparent respect to his memories, Arc. Kester Ifeadi penned down a condolence message to the late Asagba of Asaba by signing the condolence register on behalf of OFAAC.
The delegation of OFAAC included the Vice President, Elder Paddy Ugboh, the Directors, National Coordinator and LGA Chairmen.

Nigeria Police Force, Tompolo’s Tantita security firm secures forfeiture from Federal High Court against MT Kali vessel, its content

Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and management of a private security outfit, Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL) on Monday, recorded a major stride in the war against crude oil theft in the Niger Delta region.

A Federal High Court, Abuja, in a landmark judgement,ordered the forfeiture of an illegal crude oil vessel, MT Kali and its content to the Federal Government.

The police in the Charge NO. FHC/ABJ/CR/18/2024 B/W: INSPECTOR GENERAL OF POLICE V. MT KALI & 22 ORS, had arraigned the vessel and its 22 crew members before the Federal High Court, presided over by Justice J.O. Abdulmalik.

Justice Abdulmalik granted the motion for the interim forfeiture of MT Kali & her content to the Federal Government.

However, the arraignment of the suspects was stalled as they were not produced in the court by the office of the Chief of Defence Staff.

All efforts by the prosecuting counsel to convince the court to issue a production warrant to be served on the military authorities for the production of the defendants on 18th March, 2024 being the next adjournment date or at least the issue of defendants’ summons to be served on the defendants through the military authorities proved abortive.

The court, however, sternly warned that the charge may not survive beyond the next adjournment date should the prosecution not secure the attendance of the defendants for their arraignment and plea.

The illegal oil bunkering ship was arrested by the operatives of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited in conjuction with the special security task force set up by the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice-Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, on January 11th, 2024.

The ship was arrested while siphoning crude oil from Pennington Oil field of the Anglo-Dutch energy giant, Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) in Bayelsa State.

Twenty crew members, including community boys’ accomplices, were arrested in the operation.

This is the first time in recent time when oil thieves and their barons are being prosecuted and brought to book.

The case is being prosecuted to logical conclusion in the act of dexterity and patriotic zeal by the operatives of Tantita led by its Executive Director, Operations and Technical Services, Captain Warriedi Enisuoh and a team raised by the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun.

Egbetokun had directed the Police Special Task Force on Petroleum and Illegal Bunkering (IGP-STFPIB) under the command of Mr. Lot Lantoh Garba, an Assistant Commissioner of Police, to launch a discreet investigation into the arrest of the bunkering ship.

Investigations into the arrest of MT Kali, were being intensified as operatives of Tantita arrested another illegal bunkering ship MT HARBOR SPIRIT, weeks after, on February 4th.

The Moldovian vessel was caught while stealing crude oil from Sengana oilfields in the coastal axis of Bayelsa State.

The investigation and prosection of the two bunkering ships and their crew members were being diligently coordinated by Enisuoh and Head, Investigation, IGP-STPIB, Mr. Omar John Sini, a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP).

It was gathered that MT Harbor Spirit and members of her crew are to be arraigned in court on Friday, March 1st, 2024.

Dbs Warri Games Village Unveiled with funfair

**We’re committed to attracting more development to DBS sports club, Nurudeen, Patrons, members insist

The Delta Broadcasting Service , DBS Warri Sports club Games Village has been unveiled.

While unveiling the DBS Warri sports club games village , Saturday February 24, 2024 by the DBS Warri General Manager, Pst. Malcolm Oteri, commended members of the club for their support in making the project successfully executed.

According to Pst. Oteri anything that people put together that beings joy , happiness is a big achievement, he therefore appreciated the club for their dedication, he as well called on other private individuals, corporate bodies to come partner with the DBS as government can’t do everything alone.

He commended Louis Nushie for his dogged effort in coordinating the group for the past years

Patrons of DBS sports club Warri, Nzw Francis Onuorah, SSA to Governor Oborevwori, Dr. Felix Okwelum and Engr. Dr. Olisa Ossai, both assured of their commitment to attracting more development to DBS sports club,

Chairman of the DBS Warri Sports Club Games Village unveiling / end of year planning committee, Evang. Engr. Nurudeen Oluoboh on behalf of the committee members expressed delight for the success of the event , describing it as massive and colossal, he commended members for their total support in all aspect in making the project a reality.

Engr. Nurudeen Oluoboh reassured the management of the establishment of the sports club willingness to move the exercise body to the next level

Mr. Louis Nushe was reappointed for a non renewable term of three years by the DBS Warri GM, PST. Oteri after that another coordinator will take over .

The reappointed Coordinator, Comrade Louis Nushie appreciated members of the club for their support and commitment to making the DBS sports club games village a reality through their contributions and understanding.

Henceforth the two key position will be the coordinator and secretary and it is no longer compulsory for the GM who is the Chief Executive Officer of the club to appoint secretary and any other officer except the coordinator and their tenure will run for three years and will be renewable for a another term for three years according to the sports club constitution.

High point of the event was the unveiling of the DBS Warri Sports Club Games village, signing of the club’s new constitution and the end of year enjoyment and jollification ceremony.

Mrs. Rose Obi who was part of the constitution drafting committee expressed joy for the progress achieved by the club.

Publisher/Editor In chief of Area News Nigeria, Comrade Celestine Ukah, Chairman NUJ DBS Warri Chapel, Comrade John Glover, Papa Frank, Fisher, Ceejay Nwajei, Mama Sarah, Chinonye, Iyaaji, Engr. Lora, Dele and the coaches and members also spoke in expression of their joy about the club and the event.

Other members were filled with excitement as they enjoyed themselves to the fullest.